Will Smith sued by ‘America’s Got Talent’ finalist over sexual harassment claims

Actor and musician Will Smith has been sued by violinist Brian King Joseph, a former finalist on America’s Got Talent, who alleges sexual harassment and wrongful dismissal linked to Smith’s 2025 concert tour. Smith has denied all allegations.

According to court filings cited by US media, Joseph, 32, lodged the lawsuit this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, requesting a jury trial. The claims stem from his work as a violinist on Smith’s Based on a True Story: 2025 tour, after previously performing for the star in a private setting in late 2024.

The lawsuit alleges that during a tour stop in Las Vegas in March 2025, Joseph returned to his hotel room late at night to find it had been accessed without his consent. He claims a handwritten note and personal items belonging to an unknown individual were left inside, leaving him fearful for his safety.

Joseph says he immediately contacted hotel security, a non-emergency police line and Smith’s management team, and requested to be moved to a different room. According to the filing, hotel staff did not find evidence of forced entry.

The violinist alleges that after raising concerns, he was confronted by tour management, accused of fabricating the incident and ultimately removed from the tour. He claims the dismissal resulted in emotional distress, financial loss and long-term psychological harm.

The lawsuit further alleges that Smith fostered an unusually close working relationship with Joseph during the tour, which the plaintiff characterises as grooming. Smith strongly disputes this claim.

In a statement provided to the Daily Mail, Smith’s attorney Allen B. Grodsky said the allegations were “false, baseless and reckless”, adding that his client would use all available legal avenues to contest the lawsuit and bring the truth to light.

Joseph rose to public attention after finishing among the top three contestants on America’s Got Talent in 2018 and has since built a career performing internationally. He alleges that his termination was retaliatory and directly linked to reporting the hotel incident.

The case remains in its early stages, and no court hearings have yet been scheduled.