Actor and rapper Will Smith is being sued for alleged sexual harassment and wrongful termination by a former America's Got Talent contestant who alleged he was "deliberately groomed and primed" by the star. Smith, 57, has denied the claims and his lawyer has called the allegations "false, baseless and reckless".

Brian King Joseph, 32, was a violinist on Smith's 2025 tour having first performed with him in a show in December 2024. The suit claims he was subsequently invited to join Smith's 2025 tour, entitled Based On A True Story, and was offered the opportunity to play on his upcoming album.

Joseph, who made the final three on America's Got Talent in 2018, has accused the Oscar winning star of "predatory behaviour". He alleged Smith told him, "you and I have a special connection", while spending more time alone with him. In the documents filed the complainant detailed an alleged incident during a tour stop in Las Vegas in March 2025.

Joseph alleged when he returned to his hotel, he discovered an unknown person had "unlawfully" entered his room and left behind a handwritten note which read: "Brian, I'll be back no later [sic] 5:30 just us," followed by a heart and the sign-off: "Stone F."

He also claimed the note was accompanied by some wipes, a bottle of HIV medication with another individual's name on the prescription, a beer bottle, a red backpack, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork for a person "unbeknownst to" him.

Joseph claims he was fearful someone would "return to his room to engage in sexual acts" with him, so he reported the incident. He also alleged he alerted hotel security, and claimed he informed a non-emergency police line and Smith's management team.

The violinist alleged he was "shamed" by management and subsequently fired and replaced on the tour. Joseph claimsthis caused him "severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm, and other damages" as well as "PTSD and other mental illness".

The lawsuit claims Smith was "deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation."

In a statement to Daily Mail Smith's attorney Allen B. Grodsky has denied the allegations.

"Mr. Joseph's allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless," he 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."

Express.co.uk has contacted representatives for Will Smith for comment.