Hollywood actor Will Smith has been hit with a serious lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. The accuser is Brian King Joseph, a professional violinist who finished in the top three on America's Got Talent in 2018.
Shocking Allegations in the Legal Filing
The lawsuit was officially filed at the Superior Court of California on December 30, 2025. Joseph claims the problems began after he was asked to join Smith's 'Based on a True Story: 2025' tour. The legal documents state that the 58-year-old actor was 'deliberately grooming and priming him for further sexual exploitation.'
One of the most disturbing incidents outlined occurred in March 2025 in Las Vegas. Joseph alleges that someone forced their way into his hotel room. He reported finding evidence of a 'sexual threat of violence,' including a handwritten note that read: 'Brian, I'll be back…just us.'
The room also contained several strange items that did not belong to him:
- Wipes and a beer bottle
- A red backpack
- A bottle of HIV medication bearing another person's name
- An earring
- Hospital discharge paperwork
Fearing that an unknown individual would return to his room, Joseph says he reported the event to hotel staff, a non-emergency police line, and Smith's own management team.
Retaliation and Denial
Instead of receiving support, Joseph alleges he was 'shamed' by a member of the management team and subsequently fired from the tour. The lawsuit argues this termination was an act of retaliation for reporting the incident.
Joseph claims he has suffered 'severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm' and has developed PTSD and other mental illnesses as a direct result.
Will Smith's legal representative has forcefully rejected all accusations. Attorney Allen B. Grodsky told People Magazine: 'Mr. Joseph's allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless. They are categorically denied.' He added that they would use all legal avenues to challenge the claims.
A Second Legal Challenge for the Smith Family
This lawsuit is not the only legal issue facing the Smith family. Will Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, is facing a separate $3 million complaint from a former associate, Bilaal Salaam.
Salaam, a long-time friend, filed his suit on December 1, 2025. He alleges that during a 2021 birthday gathering for Will Smith, Pinkett Smith confronted him with members of her entourage and became 'verbally aggressive,' demanding he sign a non-disclosure agreement. He claims she threatened that he would 'catch a stray bullet' or 'go missing' if he continued discussing her personal affairs.
Furthermore, Salaam states that after he refused to assist with crisis management following Will Smith's slap of Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022, he became the target of a retaliatory campaign. He refused tasks he believed were unethical or part of a cover-up. Both Smith and Pinkett Smith have denied Salaam's allegations.
Representatives for Will Smith and Brian King Joseph have been contacted for further comment on the developing story.
