Violinist Brian King Joseph has launched a lawsuit against Will Smith and his management team, alleging retaliation after he reported an unauthorized intrusion into his Las Vegas hotel room during Smith’s 2025 tour. Filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on December 30, 2025, the case claims Joseph lost his job shortly after raising safety concerns linked to the incident.
The dispute traces back to Smith’s “Based on a True Story” tour, promoting his first full-length album in 20 years, released on March 28, 2025. The global run included 26 dates across Europe and the U.K., with nine headlining shows and festival appearances. Joseph, a third-place finisher from America’s Got Talent Season 13, joined the project in November 2024, performing on album tracks and early tour dates, including two San Diego shows in December.
Tour Background and Rising Tensions
Smith’s tour drew strong revenue and acclaim as part of his post-2022 Oscars ban recovery through music. A March 2025 Las Vegas stop at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay heightened workplace strains. Joseph alleges power imbalances left touring musicians vulnerable, especially in high-stakes environments where safety reports carry professional risks.
The Hotel Intrusion
On March 20, 2025, Joseph returned to his Las Vegas hotel room near 11 p.m. and discovered signs of unauthorized entry: wipes, a beer bottle, HIV medication in someone else’s name, an earring, hospital discharge papers for an unknown person, a red backpack, and a handwritten note stating: “Brian, I’ll be back no later 5:30, just us (heart), Stone F.” The identity of “Stone F.” remains unclear in court documents.
Joseph notified hotel security, the Las Vegas police non-emergency line, and Smith’s team, requesting a room change. Security found no forced entry but confirmed only Smith’s management had access to the room. Joseph flew home the next day, ending his approximately four-month tenure with the tour.
Legal Claims and Smith’s Denial
The suit names Treyball Studios Management Inc. as a co-defendant, accusing them of firing Joseph in retaliation for reporting the incident. It alleges grooming by Smith, citing alleged prior comments like “You and I have such a special connection, that I don’t have with anyone else” and framing the intrusion as part of a pattern. Joseph claims emotional distress, PTSD, health issues, economic loss, and reputational damage.
A Treyball representative allegedly confronted him, saying, “Everyone is telling me… you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie?” Days later, termination followed, with a replacement violinist hired. Joseph had posted on Instagram about tour issues beforehand.
Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, denied the claims: “Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless. They are categorically denied.” The team vows to use all legal means to contest the lawsuit. The tour continued successfully in Europe and the U.K., using Joseph’s prior recordings.
Industry Context and Implications
Joseph’s lawyer, Jonathan J. Delshad, has filed similar cases against other entertainment figures, including recent lawsuits against Tyler Perry. The suit highlights power disparities in tours, echoing rising disputes over misconduct reports in the post-#MeToo era.
Joseph seeks unspecified compensatory damages, punitive awards, and fees via jury trial. Discovery could reveal internal communications related to the incident and the firing decision. As proceedings advance, the outcome may test entertainment labor protections and potentially reshape safety protocols for musicians on major tours.
Sources:
NBC News, January 2026
LA Times, January 2, 2026
ABC News, January 2026
The Strad, January 2026
CBS Philadelphia, January 2026
7NEWS Australia, January 2026