Actor Will Smith is facing a lawsuit from violinist Brian King Joseph, who claims Smith groomed him for sexual exploitation. Joseph began working with Smith in December 2024 and later joined his “Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour.” He says their professional relationship became closer after he was invited to play on Smith’s upcoming album.
According to the lawsuit, Joseph’s hotel room in Las Vegas, booked by Smith’s team, was unlawfully entered. Personal belongings, medication for someone else, and a note addressed to Joseph were allegedly taken. Joseph reported the incident but says he was blamed and subsequently terminated, with another violinist brought in as his replacement. The suit suggests his firing was pretextual.
Joseph claims that Smith’s actions caused him severe emotional distress, PTSD, reputational damage, and financial loss, portraying a pattern of predatory behavior. Smith’s representatives have not responded to the allegations.
This case comes shortly after a separate $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith by a former associate, who alleged she threatened him and pressured him to sign a nondisclosure agreement during a 2021 birthday gathering.
