Will Smith is kicking off the brand new 12 months in a authorized tussle together with his former violinist, Brian King Joseph. In his criticism, the skilled musician accuses Smith of sexual harassment and retaliation. Smith’s legal professionals have reportedly already responded to the allegations.
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Why Is Brian King Joseph Suing Will Smith?
In accordance with PEOPLE, Joseph filed his criticism within the Superior Courtroom of California on Dec. 30. He additionally named the actor’s firm, Treyball Studios Administration Inc., within the lawsuit.
Joseph alleges that Will Smith was “intentionally grooming and priming” him for sexual exploitation after an invitation for the worldwide tour, ‘Primarily based on a True Story: 2025.’ That occurred in November 2024. Months later, in March 2025, amid the album’s launch, the violinist alleges {that a} “traumatic collection of occasions” occurred. Smith’s full tour ran from June to September.
One incident concerned unauthorized entry into his Las Vegas lodge room by an unknown particular person. There have been no indicators of compelled entry. However the violinist says he skilled a “sexual menace of violence” after allegedly discovering a handwritten word that stated, “Brian, I’ll be again…simply us.” “Stone F” reportedly signed the word, which additionally had a drawn coronary heart. Along with the word, Brian Joseph King alleges he discovered “wipes, a beer bottle, a pink backpack, a bottle of HIV medicine with another person’s identify, an earring and hospital discharge paperwork” from somebody Joseph allegedly doesn’t know.” The findings reportedly scared Brian into considering somebody unknown was going to return to his room to “have interaction in sexual acts.”
Joseph’s criticism claims he reported the break-in and gadgets to the lodge workers, an area non-emergency line and Will Smith’s administration. It’s unclear how the primary two entities responded, however allegedly, a member of Smith’s tour administration workforce “shamed” Brian and fired him. One other violinist was later employed to interchange Joseph, per PEOPLE.
What Is The Violinist Looking for?
It’s unclear whether or not Brian King Joseph is searching for monetary compensation for damages, however the criticism alleges he suffered on a number of fronts. The violinist stated the March 2025 incident sparked “extreme emotional misery” adopted by “financial loss, reputational hurt and different damages.” Joseph additionally allegedly experiences “PTSD and different psychological sickness because of the termination.”
Will Smith’s Lawyer Reacts To Lawsuit
Allen B. Grodsky, who represents Will Smith, talked to PEOPLE in regards to the lawsuit. He and his shopper are denying Brian King Joseph’s allegations.
“Mr. Joseph’s allegations regarding my shopper are false, baseless, and reckless,” Grodsky stated in an announcement on Jan. 1. “They’re categorically denied, and we are going to use all authorized means obtainable to handle these claims and to make sure that the reality is delivered to mild.”
Twenty-nine days earlier than Brian sued Will Smith, the actor’s spouse was additionally hit with a lawsuit. Jada Pinkett Smith’s former affiliate, Bilaal Salaam, filed a criticism searching for $3 million after she allegedly verbally threatened him. Amid the information, a supply informed PEOPLE that the Smiths felt “actually mad” over the lawsuit, calling it a “lot of crap.”
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