On the night of March 20, 2025, violinist Brian King Joseph returned to his hotel room at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas to discover a disturbing handwritten note and personal items that did not belong to him.
Joseph reported the incident to hotel security and Smith’s management, ultimately leading to a retaliation lawsuit filed against Will Smith and his management company on December 30, 2025.
From Music Triumph to Legal Trouble
Will Smith’s 2025 music comeback tour, launched following his “Based on a True Story” album release on March 28, 2025, marked his return to music after 20 years.
The album brought him back into the global spotlight with tour dates across the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. However, a lawsuit filed by former tour member Brian King Joseph now threatens to overshadow Smith’s musical comeback.
Violinist Brian King Joseph Joins the Tour
In December 2024, Brian King Joseph, an electric violinist and “America’s Got Talent” Season 13 finalist, joined Smith’s tour.
Known for his electric violin skills, Joseph performed at several concerts, including shows in San Diego. After meeting Smith in November 2024, Joseph became part of the tour’s musical lineup.
The Las Vegas Performance
By March 2025, Smith’s tour reached Las Vegas for a performance at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay.
The venue hosted crew members in hotel rooms, where Joseph was staying during the Las Vegas stop on March 20, 2025.
A Disturbing Discovery in Las Vegas
On March 20, 2025, Joseph returned to his hotel room late that night to find a handwritten note and personal items.
According to the lawsuit, the note read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.”
What Was Found
Items left in the room included HIV medication, wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork.
Joseph immediately reported the situation to hotel security and Smith’s management.
Hotel Security Investigation
Hotel security investigated and found no forced entry into the room. However, security confirmed that only members of Smith’s team had access to the room.
Concerned for his safety, Joseph requested a new room and departed for home the following day.
Emotional Impact on Joseph
Following the incident, Joseph experienced emotional distress. In December 2025, he posted a video on Instagram citing PTSD and emotional distress related to the incident.
In his post, Joseph condemned his termination as retaliation for reporting the safety concern.
Smith’s Management Responds
In response to Joseph’s accusations, a representative from Treyball Studios, the co-defendant in the lawsuit, stated that the tour was “moving in a different direction.”
The statement characterized Joseph’s claims as fabricated. A replacement violinist was subsequently hired for the tour.
Legal Claims Filed
Joseph’s lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges retaliation, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination.
The complaint cites violations of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which mandates that employers are responsible for addressing third-party harassment in the workplace.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
According to the lawsuit, Joseph alleges that Smith made intimate comments to him, including: “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.”
The lawsuit suggests these interactions, combined with the timeline leading to the hotel incident, constitute inappropriate behavior.
Smith Denies All Allegations
Will Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, issued a firm denial of all allegations, calling them “false, baseless, and reckless.”
Smith’s legal team has indicated they will mount a robust defense as the lawsuit proceeds.
Named Defendants
The lawsuit names both Treyball Studios Management and Will Smith personally as defendants.
Smith’s career has been in a recovery phase following the 2022 Oscars incident, and this legal case adds another layer of complexity to his public image rehabilitation efforts.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Joseph is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees through a jury trial.
His attorney, Jonathan J. Delshad, who has also represented clients in high-profile entertainment industry cases including lawsuits against Tyler Perry, is pursuing the case.
Discovery Phase
The next phase of the legal proceedings will involve gathering evidence, including hotel security footage and witness testimonies.
Additional evidence will come from documentation related to the incident and Joseph’s termination.
Policy Implications for Employers
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) establishes that employers can be held liable for third-party harassment, setting precedent for worker protections.
The outcome of this case could influence how entertainment companies address workplace safety and harassment claims in tour environments.
International Legal Frameworks
Legal frameworks addressing workplace harassment exist in multiple jurisdictions.
California’s FEHA and the UK’s Equality Act both include provisions related to workplace harassment and employer responsibilities, relevant given Smith’s international tour schedule.
Legal Stakes in the Courtroom
The case involves claims of retaliation, harassment, and wrongful termination. If the case proceeds to trial, it could result in compensatory and punitive damages.
The absence of forced entry in the hotel room incident may be a factor in Smith’s defense strategy.
Impact on the Entertainment Industry
This lawsuit raises questions about workplace protections for musicians and crew members on tour.
As the case unfolds, it may prompt entertainment companies to review their policies regarding crew safety, harassment reporting, and termination procedures.
The Road Ahead
As the lawsuit continues through the legal system, the focus remains on the specific allegations and evidence.
The case involves Will Smith’s professional reputation, Joseph’s claims of retaliation and harassment, and broader questions about how the entertainment industry protects workers on tour. The outcome will be determined through the legal process.
Sources:
“Violinist on Will Smith’s Tour Files Wrongful Termination Lawsuit.” The New York Times, 2 Jan 2026.
“Will Smith sued: Fired violinist alleges sexual harassment.” Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan 2026.
“Will Smith sexual harassment lawsuit tied to Las Vegas visit.” Las Vegas Review Journal, 9 Jan 2026.
“Will Smith Announces ‘Based on a True Story’ Album Release Date.” Billboard, 14 Mar 2025.