Will Smith Sued by Violinist Over Alleged Sexual Exploitation During 2025 Tour

Will Smith has been sued by a violinist from his 2025 ‘Based on a True Story’ tour over allegations of deliberate grooming and preparation for sexual exploitation.

Brian King Joseph, 33, filed the lawsuit at the superior court of California on December 30, 2025.

In the suit, the violinist, who first met Smith in November 2024 after being hired to perform at a show in San Diego, accused the actor of displaying “predatory behaviour” toward him during the 2025 tour.

Joseph alleged that Smith once told him, “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else”.

He also accused Smith’s company Treyball Studios Management of wrongful termination and retaliation.

According to the lawsuit, Joseph claimed that during a Las Vegas stop on the tour in March 2025, his bag and hotel room key went missing and were returned several hours later.

He alleged that upon returning to his hotel room that night, he discovered it had been “unlawfully” accessed, with wipes and HIV medication bearing another person’s name left behind, alongside a note that read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later 5.30, just us <3, Stone F”.

Joseph said he believed that an unknown individual was expected to return to the room to engage in sexual activity with him.

The violinist claimed that Smith’s management team were the only individuals with access to his room and that they had possession of his bag and room key for several hours before returning them.

Joseph alleged that he reported the incident to hotel security and Smith’s management, who he claimed blamed and shamed him over the situation.

He said he was subsequently removed from the tour, with the management reportedly stating that the production was “moving in a different direction”, despite another violinist later taking over his role.

The lawsuit also stated that Joseph has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and loss of income following his termination.

However, Allen B Grodsky, Smith’s lawyer, dismissed the allegations as “false, baseless and reckless”.

“Mr Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless. They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light,” Brodsky said.