Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management have been accused of sexual harassment by violinist Brian King Joseph. They would have “enticed him for the purpose of sexual exploitation” in spring 2025 during the tour of Based on a True Story. According to Smith's lawyer, the accusations are “false, unfounded and reckless.”
Joseph was booked for a show in San Diego in November 2024 and then for the 2025 tour. But as their relationship strengthened, Smith allegedly told Joseph that “the two of us have a special bond that I don't have with anyone else” and similar phrases that the indictment alleges indicate a special interest.
Judging by what he reports Peopleciting the documents of the case, the main event occurred in March 2025, when someone allegedly entered Joseph's hotel room in Las Vegas leaving a note with the writing “Brian, I'll be back… just us” accompanied by a heart and the signature Stone F. In the room the violinist also found “wipes, a bottle of beer, a red backpack, anti-HIV drugs with the name of another person, an earring and documents relating to discharge from a hospital” of a person who was not he knew.
Fearing that “a stranger would then return to his room to perform sexual acts”, the violinist reported the matter to hotel staff, a police number and Smith's management, resulting in him being fired and replaced by another musician. The facts would have caused him “severe emotional distress, economic losses, reputational problems” and other damages including post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Joseph's allegations against my client are false, unfounded and reckless,” he told People Allen B. Grodsky, Smith's attorney. “We strongly reject them and will use all legal means at our disposal to address them and ensure the truth comes to light.”
