Musician Brian King Joseph, known for his participation in 'America's Got Talent' in 2018, filed a lawsuit in California Superior Court against Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management, Inc., alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation.

The lawsuit, filed on December 30, details that Joseph was invited to join the world tour of 'Smith Based on a True Story: 2025' in November 2024. According to the document, cited by People magazine, Smith “was deliberately grooming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation.” The incident allegedly occurred in March 2025 during a stop in Las Vegas. Joseph claims to have discovered that someone had entered his hotel room without any signs of forced entry. Among the items found were a handwritten note that read, “Brian, I’m coming back… just us,” signed “Stone F” with a heart drawn on it, along with wet wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, HIV medication with someone else’s name on it, an earring, and hospital paperwork belonging to someone unknown to Joseph. After reporting the incident to hotel staff, local police, and Smith’s management team, Joseph alleges that he was “humiliated” by a member of the tour crew and subsequently fired. According to the lawsuit, another violinist was hired to replace him.

The complaint alleges that these events caused Joseph “severe emotional distress, financial losses, damage to his reputation,” as well as post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental illnesses.

Joseph's Background and Career

Brian King Joseph, originally from Washington, D.C., rose to prominence as a finalist on season 13 of America's Got Talent in 2018. In December 2024, he posted a video on Instagram playing the violin on what he described as the first night of his tour with Smith.

This lawsuit comes after former business partner Bilaal Salaam (also known as Brother Bilaal) filed a $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith on December 1, alleging verbal threats.Sources close to the couple called the accusations "nonsense" and described Salaam as an "opportunist," according to People. As of now, Will Smith's representatives have not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit filed by Joseph. The case is ongoing in the California court system.