Will Smith’s Violinist Talks About ‘Sexual Misbehavior’ Days Ahead Of Sexual Assault Charge & ‘Making It Up’
Will Smith is facing a legal storm as 2026 begins, with a lawsuit recently filed alleging sexually harassing behavior and sexual misconduct during his musical comeback. Brian King Joseph, electric violinist and ex America’s Got Talent the latter, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court this week, naming both Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management Inc., as defendants. Will Smith’s allegations center around claims of grooming, sexual harassment, and disturbing hotel room access that Joseph says led to his firing.
According to the Los Angeles TimesThe professional relationship between Smith and Joseph began in late 2024 when the violinist was hired to perform on Smith’s “Based on a True Story” tour and contribute to his upcoming album. However, according to the case, the dynamics quickly changed from professionals to food. Joseph says Smith began to “groom and groom” her for sexual abuse, often insisting on spending more time alone with the singer.
The complaint details specific incidents of Smith allegedly making suggestions to foster a false sense of intimacy. Joseph says Smith told him, “You and I have a special connection that no one else has,” a statement the lawsuit describes as a deliberate attempt to bring down the violinist. This early interaction set the stage for what Joseph describes as a “sad series of events” that reached a critical point during a tour stop in Las Vegas.
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The case centers on an incident in March 2025 at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay. Joseph says that after practice, he returned to his hotel room, which had been booked and accessed by Smith’s management team, to find evidence of trespassing. According to the report, the room contained items that did not belong to him including wipes, a bottle of beer, a red backpack, and a bottle of HIV medication with someone else’s name written on it.
Most shocking was a handwritten note to Joseph that read: “Brian, I won’t be back later. [sic] 5:30, just us (heart drawn), Stone F.”
Joseph, fearing for her physical safety and believing she was being sexually assaulted, immediately reported the incident to hotel security, the police’s non-emergency hotline, and Smith’s management. However, the lawsuit says that instead of receiving support, Joseph faced hatred. He suspects that the representative of Treyball Studios accused him of making up this story, and asked him, “Why did you lie and do this?” Days later, Joseph was cut from the tour, with management saying the show was “moving on,” despite reportedly hiring another violinist to replace him immediately.
Brian King Joseph Talks ‘Sexual Misbehavior Days’ Before Indictment
On December 27, Joseph posted a video he called a “PSA” about retaliation for reporting sexual misconduct. The Instagram video mentioned that “other things happened” while working on a “big, big trip with a big guy in the industry.” At the time, he kept the details vague and did not say any names because it was already an official matter.
“Being fired or reprimanded or shamed or threatened or anything like that, just for reporting sexual misconduct or workplace safety threats, is NOT OKAY. And I know there are many other people out there who are afraid to speak up, and I understand. If that’s you, I can see you,” he concluded, promising, “More updates coming soon.”
Will Smith Sexual Abuse Allegations Denied by His Legal Team
Will Smith has dismissed all the allegations through his lawyer. Attorney Allen B. Grodsky released a statement to multiple outlets calling Will Smith’s sexual harassment allegations “false, baseless, and reckless.” Grodsky insisted the claims were “absolutely denied” and said the defense would use “all available legal means” to ensure the truth is revealed during the trial.
The legal battle comes at a critical time for Smith, whose “Based on a True Story” tour was intended to be a major pillar of his career relaunch. Joseph, represented by attorney Jonathan J. Delshad, who is also handling sexual assault charges against Tyler Perry, is seeking compensation and punitive damages. The violinist says the ordeal has caused severe emotional distress, economic loss, and PTSD.
