A new legal controversy has once again placed Will Smith at the center of attention, shaking Hollywood with serious allegations. 

The famous American actor and musician has been sued by a violinist who worked on his most recent music tour, accusing him of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation—claims that Smith’s legal team strongly denies.

The lawsuit was filed this week by musician Brian King Joseph and names both Smith and Treyball Studios’ management as defendants. 

According to court documents reviewed by U.S. media outlets, the plaintiff alleges that Smith engaged in “predatory behavior” and deliberately attempted to groom him during the tour titled Based on a True Story: 2025, which took place last spring.

Joseph states that Smith first hired him in November 2024 for a performance in San Diego and later invited him to join the full tour and collaborate on an upcoming album.

The complaint claims that the professional relationship gradually crossed boundaries, with Smith allegedly making personal remarks that the musician found inappropriate. One such statement cited in the lawsuit reads: “You and I have a special connection I don’t have with anyone else.”

A key incident described in the complaint occurred at a hotel during the tour. Joseph claims that his bag, which contained his room key, went missing for several hours and that only members of the tour’s management had access to his room.

When he returned, he allegedly found unfamiliar items inside, including a note addressed to him that he interpreted as a sexual advance and an invasion of his privacy.

The recollection of events

The violinist reported the situation to hotel security, tour representatives, and local police. However, he alleges that instead of support, he faced ridicule and hostility from management. 

Days later, he claims, he was dismissed and accused of fabricating the incident.

According to the lawsuit, the termination caused severe emotional distress, including symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as financial losses and damage to his professional reputation. 

Joseph is seeking monetary damages to be determined by a jury.

Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, categorically denied the allegations, stating that the claims are “false, baseless, and reckless.” In a public statement, he said the actor intends to pursue all available legal options to clear his name and establish the truth.

The case adds to ongoing discussions within Hollywood about power dynamics, workplace conduct, and accountability, as allegations of harassment continue to reverberate across the entertainment industry.