Brian King Joseph, a professional violinist who toured with Will Smith, filed a 15-page complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court on December 30, 2025. The lawsuit names both Willard Carroll Smith II individually and Treyball Studios Management, Inc., his California management corporation.
The complaint asserts six causes of action including retaliation in violation of California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), retaliation under California Labor Code §1102.5, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, violations of the Bane Act (CA Civil Code §52.1), violations of the Ralph Act (CA Civil Code §51.7), and sexual harassment in violation of FEHA.
The Bane Act prohibits interference with someone's rights through threats or intimidation, while the Ralph Act covers violence or threats motivated by protected characteristics. Both are typically invoked in the most serious workplace misconduct cases. The specific factual allegations underlying these claims are detailed across the complaint's 15 pages.
- 01Retaliation in violation of FEHA (Gov. Code §12940(h))
- 02Retaliation pursuant to California Labor Code §1102.5 (whistleblower protection)
- 03Wrongful termination in violation of public policy
- 04Bane Act violation (Cal. Civ. Code §52.1) — interference with civil rights through threats or intimidation
- 05Ralph Act violation (Cal. Civ. Code §51.7) — violence or threats motivated by protected characteristics
- 06Sexual harassment in violation of FEHA (Gov. Code §12940(j))
This case comes at a delicate time for Will Smith as he continues rebuilding his public image after the 2022 Oscars slap. Joseph's invocation of the Bane and Ralph Acts, which typically involve allegations of threats or intimidation, suggests the claims go beyond routine workplace disputes. Smith has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit. The case is ongoing, with responsive pleadings expected in the coming months.