Violinist Sues Will Smith, Saying He Was Fired After Reporting Hotel Break-In

A violinist who performed on Will Smith’s “Based on a True Story” tour has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Mr. Smith and his production company, saying he was fired after reporting an alleged hotel room break-in. The suit, filed in Superior Court of Los Angeles County on Tuesday, was brought by Brian King Joseph.

His lawyer says Mr. Joseph reported in March that he entered his Las Vegas hotel room and found a handwritten note addressed to “Brian,” a backpack, a beer bottle, wipes and a bottle of H.I.V. medication. The complaint says Mr. Joseph feared an unknown individual might return to his room to engage in sexual acts.

It also accuses Mr. Smith of “grooming” Mr. Joseph for sexual activity and alleges a pattern of predatory behavior, though it does not describe specific actions by Mr. Smith. The lawsuit says Mr. Joseph reported the items and medical paperwork that did not belong to him to tour management and hotel security, and filed a hotel report.

A few days later, the suit says, Mr. Smith’s production company fired him from the tour. Mr. Joseph’s complaint says the termination caused “severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm and other damages.” The suit notes that Mr. Joseph, who finished third on a season of “America’s Got Talent,” auditioned at Mr.

Key Topics

Culture, Will Smith, Brian King Joseph, Treyball Studio Management, Superior Court, America's Got Talent