Violinist Takes on Will Smith in Court

Brian King Joseph, a violinist, is taking legal action against Will Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management Inc. He claims he was wrongfully fired after reporting sexual misconduct. Joseph says he was hired for Smith's 2025 Based on a True Story tour but was let go before it started. Joseph, who finished third in Season 13 of “America’s Got Talent, ” posted a video on Instagram before filing his lawsuit. He hinted at being fired for reporting misconduct but couldn’t share details due to legal reasons. He encouraged others in similar situations to speak up. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that Joseph and Smith developed a close professional relationship in November 2024. Joseph performed at Smith’s shows in San Diego and worked on several tracks for Smith’s album, “Based on a True Story, ” released in March 2024. According to the lawsuit, Smith told Joseph they had a special connection. Joseph joined Smith and the crew for a performance in Las Vegas on March 20. After the show, Joseph found evidence that someone had entered his hotel room without permission. He reported the incident to hotel security, Smith’s representatives, and the police.Several days later, a Treyball representative told Joseph the tour was “going in a different direction” and his services were no longer needed. The representative accused Joseph of lying about the incident, which shocked him. Joseph claims the events in Las Vegas and the aftermath caused him severe emotional distress, economic loss, and harm to his reputation. He also alleges that the stress led to health issues, including PTSD and other mental illnesses. The lawsuit suggests that Smith’s actions were part of a pattern of predatory behavior. Will Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, denied the allegations, calling them false and baseless. Joseph’s attorney, Jonathan J. Delshad, has previously filed similar lawsuits against other high-profile figures. Joseph is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as payment of attorney fees. The Based on a True Story tour played 26 dates in Europe and the U. K. last summer.