Brian King Joseph, the professional violinist who filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Will Smith, publicly hinted at the allegations days before taking legal action.
Joseph filed a complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, December 30, against Smith, 57, and Treyball Studios Management, Inc., alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination and retaliation in connection with Smith’s global Based on a True Story tour in March 2025. The filing alleges that Smith “intentionally prepared and groomed” Joseph for further sexual exploitation.
On December 25, Joseph shared a video on Instagram in which he referenced his experience without mentioning Smith by name. In the clip, Joseph said he was hired earlier this year to perform on a “big, big tour” with a high-profile figure in the industry, calling the opportunity a career milestone. He said the situation later took a disturbing turn.
“I can’t go into the details because it’s already a legal issue,” Joseph said, adding that he felt compelled to speak out because being fired or threatened for reporting sexual misconduct or safety issues “is not okay.”
In his lawsuit, Joseph claims he discovered signs that someone entered his Las Vegas hotel room without breaking and entering, leaving behind items he described as evidence of a sexual threat.
After reporting the incident to hotel staff, police and tour management, Joseph claims he was shamed and fired, while another violinist was hired to replace him.
An attorney for Smith denied the allegations, calling them false and baseless, and said the actor will vigorously defend himself.
