Will Smith is facing a civil lawsuit in California state court that would gain a reaction from mogul 50 Cent after a professional violinist alleged he was removed from the actor’s music tour in retaliation for reporting a disturbing hotel incident.
Brian King Joseph filed the complaint this week in Los Angeles Superior Court, naming Smith in connection with his dismissal from the rapper-actor’s Based on a True Story tour. The suit alleges retaliation following Joseph’s report of a suspected unauthorized entry into his hotel room during a tour stop in Las Vegas.
According to the filing, Joseph first met Smith in November 2024 after being referred by other musicians for a recording opportunity. He alleges Smith invited him to his home, where Joseph performed during an informal audition. The suit claims Smith later offered him a position on the tour.
The dispute centers on events that allegedly occurred in March 2025, when the tour traveled to Las Vegas for its first scheduled performance. Joseph claims that after checking into a hotel, he found indications that someone had entered his room without consent. The complaint states the discovery caused fear of potential unwanted sexual advances.
Will Smith Sued By Violinist Brian King Joseph, Alleging Wrongful Termination, 50 Cent Weighs In
Joseph alleges he found a handwritten note reading, “Brian, I’ll be back… just us,” signed “Stone F” with a heart drawn beside it. He also claims to have discovered wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, an earring, hospital discharge paperwork, and a bottle of HIV medication labeled with another individual’s name.
The complaint says Joseph reported the situation to hotel security. He alleges that after doing so, an associate of Smith confronted him and questioned why he “lied” about the reported intrusion. Joseph claims he was terminated from the tour shortly thereafter.
The lawsuit does not accuse Smith of committing sexual misconduct. Instead, it alleges Joseph suffered adverse employment action after raising safety concerns. The complaint seeks relief under theories related to retaliation and wrongful termination.
Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, forcefully denied the allegations. “Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless,” Grodsky said. “They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.”
The lawsuit drew public reaction from rapper and media mogul 50 Cent, who commented on Instagram on Jan. 2, 2026. “WTF is going on, I got a movie I want Will for, this fool just mad he got fired,” he wrote, tagging his Branson Cognac brand.
The case remains pending, and no judicial rulings have been issued. Smith has not commented personally beyond his attorney’s statement.
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