A violinist has filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation after being fired while on tour with actor and rapper Will Smith. The suit claims the termination occurred shortly after the violinist reported a concerning incident to Smith’s representatives, hotel security, and police.
Hotel Intrusion and Allegations
According to the complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Brian King Joseph reported a possible unlawful entry into his Las Vegas hotel room on or around March 20. Hotel security found no signs of forced entry, but noted that individuals associated with Smith’s management team had access to the room. Joseph alleges he discovered several items in his room, including wipes, a beer bottle, an earring, a red backpack, HIV medication prescribed to someone else, hospital discharge paperwork for an unknown individual, and a handwritten note.
The complaint states Joseph “feared that an unknown individual would soon return to his room to engage in sexual acts.” After reporting the incident, Joseph alleges a representative for Smith accused him of lying and terminated his employment.
The Response and Termination
The suit quotes a representative allegedly questioning Joseph’s account, stating, “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up?” The complaint further alleges that there was no attempt to investigate Joseph’s safety concerns. Following his termination, another violinist was hired, despite being told the tour was “moving in a different direction.”
The suit names both Will Smith, 57, and a management company associated with him as defendants. Representatives for Smith have declined to comment. The complaint does not specify the amount of damages being sought.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the lawsuit?
The lawsuit was prompted by the violinist’s termination after reporting a potential hotel intrusion and expressing fear for his safety to Smith’s representatives, hotel security, and police.
What items were reportedly found in the hotel room?
The complaint states the violinist found wipes, a beer bottle, an earring, a red backpack, HIV medication with another person’s name, hospital discharge paperwork for an unknown individual, and a handwritten note.
What was the response from Smith’s representatives after the incident was reported?
According to the suit, a representative accused the violinist of lying and terminated his employment, stating, “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up?”
What role does a supportive and responsive environment play in addressing concerns of harassment and ensuring the safety of individuals on tour?
