Will Smith Sued by ‘America’s Got Talent’ Finalist Brian King Joseph Over Alleged Sexual Harassment
Written by b87fm on 01/02/2026
Brian King Joseph at the Media Access Awards with Easterseals on Oct. 8. Tommaso Boddi/Getty
Will Smith is facing a new legal battle after America’s Got Talent finalist Brian King Joseph filed a lawsuit accusing the superstar of sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination tied to Smith’s global “Based on a True Story: 2025” tour.
Joseph — a viral electric violinist who finished top three on AGT — claims his dream opportunity quickly turned into a nightmare following a disturbing incident during a Las Vegas tour stop in March 2025.
According to court filings obtained by Daily Mail, Joseph says he returned to his hotel room around 11 p.m. to find it had been unlawfully accessed. Inside, he allegedly discovered a handwritten note stating, “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30 just us,” signed “Stone F” with a heart. Alongside the note, Joseph claims there were personal items belonging to an unknown individual including wipes, a backpack, a beer bottle, an earring, hospital discharge paperwork, and a bottle of HIV medication with someone else’s name.
Joseph says he immediately contacted hotel staff, notified a non-emergency police line, and reported the situation to Smith’s management team. Instead of receiving support, he claims he was abruptly dismissed from the tour and informed his services were “no longer needed.”
In the lawsuit, Joseph alleges the firing triggered PTSD and financial loss, and claims that “facts suggest” Smith may have been “grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation.” He also alleges Smith previously cultivated an unusually close relationship with him before the tour, claiming the actor once said, “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.”
Smith’s legal team strongly denies the allegations.
Attorney Allen B. Grodsky issued a statement calling Joseph’s claims “false, baseless, and reckless.” Smith has not publicly addressed the lawsuit beyond that response.
Joseph says he viewed touring with Smith as a life-changing career milestone after meeting the actor in late 2024. Instead, he claims the experience left him emotionally traumatized and professionally derailed. He is seeking damages to be determined by a jury.
No criminal charges have been filed, and no court date has been set at this time.
This lawsuit arrives as Smith continues working to rebuild his public image following years of scrutiny and controversy. As always, these allegations remain claims until proven in court.
