August M
A former tour musician has filed a lawsuit against Will Smith, alleging he was dismissed in retaliation after reporting what he described as a disturbing incident while on tour. The case adds to ongoing discussions about accountability and workplace conduct in the entertainment industry.
The claims centre on events during a concert stop in Las Vegas last year and actions taken in the days that followed.
Lawsuit filed
According to NBC, violinist Brian King Joseph filed a lawsuit this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court accusing Smith and a management company linked to the actor of wrongful termination.
The complaint says Joseph was fired shortly after reporting what he believed was an unlawful entry into his hotel room while touring with Smith. The lawsuit does not specify the amount of damages being sought.
Representatives for Smith declined to comment on the allegations.
Touring relationship
The lawsuit states that Joseph began performing with Smith in December 2024 and joined the tour for the album Based on a True Story. During that period, the two spent time together alone, and Smith allegedly told Joseph they shared a “special connection”.
The complaint describes this dynamic as part of the broader context leading up to the alleged incident in Las Vegas.
Hotel incident
Joseph said that on or around March 20, he returned to his hotel room late at night and believed someone had entered while he was away.
According to the lawsuit, hotel security found no signs of forced entry and said only members of Smith’s management team had access to the room.
Joseph reported finding several items in the room, including personal belongings, medication with another person’s name and a note addressed to him. The complaint says the situation caused him to fear that someone intended to return to the room to engage in sexual activity.
Joseph reported the incident to hotel security, police and Smith’s representatives, the lawsuit says.
Termination claim
Days later, according to the complaint, a representative for Smith accused Joseph of fabricating the incident and informed him that his services were no longer needed.
The lawsuit quotes the representative as allegedly saying: “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up?”
Joseph alleges no steps were taken to verify his safety concerns. After his dismissal, another violinist was hired, despite Joseph being told the tour was “moving in a different direction”.
Sources: NBC
