Updated on 10/6/2023 at 6:20 a.m. PT: Jason Derulo is speaking out following his bombshell sexual harassment lawsuit.
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In a post to X/Twitter late Thursday, the singer put up a video defending his character and motives, explaining that he stands against all forms of harassment and supports anyone following their dreams.
“I wouldn’t normally comment but these claims are completely false and hurtful. I stand against all forms of harassment and I remain supportive of anybody following their dreams. I’ve always strived to live my life in a positively impactful way, and that’s why I sit here before you deeply offended, by these defamatory claims. God bless.”
See original story below.
It looks like legal troubles are brewing for singer Jason Derulo as he’s been named at the center of a new sexual harassment lawsuit on Thursday.
According to legal documents first obtained by NBC News, plaintiff and up-and-coming artist Emaza Gibson is alleging sexual harassment, intimidation and violence, illegal retaliatory termination, breach of contract and more against the “Talk Dirty” singer. The complaint was also filed against his manager Frank Harris, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Future History, Inc., and Radio Corporation of America (RCA Records). Derulo is the co-founder and principal of Future and a supervising agent at Atlantic. Future is a joint venture between RCA, Derulo and Harris.
Gibson was brought onto Derulo’s record label under the guise jumpstarting her music career and making multiple albums together in November 2021, but the relationship allegedly turned into one that included “threats of violence, unwanted and illegal sexual harassment, pressuring her to drink and have sex with him.” In her complaint, she names numerous instances where Derulo allegedly made inappropriate comments, became aggressive and verbally hostile, and nearly became physically violent with her for being late to a studio session.
She also alleged that she was told early on that in order to succeed “in this business,” she would have to essentially pay for play sexually.
“While recording music, DERULO informed Plaintiff that if she wanted to be successful in the ‘this business’ (aka, the music industry), Plaintiff [Gibson] would be required to partake in ‘goat skin and fish scales,’ which is a Haitian reference referring to conducting sex rituals, sacrificing a goat, goat blood and doing cocaine,’” the lawsuit reads. “The manner and timing of such a statement meant that DERULO was demanding sexual acts from Plaintiff in order for DERULO to fulfill his role as her mentor, supervisor and musical collaborator. This explicit demand for sex-in-exchange-for-success was reinforced through DERULO’s subsequent behavior.”
Gibson alleges that she informed Harris, Future and Atlantic of Derulo’s “sexually, emotionally and physically inappropriate behavior,” but that no action was done on her behalf. Instead, she alleges her contract was terminated in retaliation. As a result of Derulo’s, Atlantic’s, Future History and Harris’ conduct, Gibson says she required “medical intervention for breakdowns, weight loss, insomnia, mood swings, hopelessness, loss of motivation, betrayal, feelings of betrayal and deception.” She also had to allegedly seek mental health treatment where she received a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
She’s seeking damages for unpaid wages, loss of earnings, deferred compensation, other employment benefits, emotional distress, punitive damages and more.
Derulo has yet to respond to the suit.
In a statement responding to the suit, Gibson’s attorner Ron Zambrano said:
“Mr. Derulo’s behavior toward this young artist was despicable, and, unfortunately, another example of the music industry’s dark underbelly. He not only broke promises and breached contracts, but his threats of physical harm and unconscionable sexual advances toward this young woman who is just trying to break into the industry were outrageous and illegal.
“Executives knew of Derulo’s behavior without a care. No one should have to suffer through such treatment by their employer, and in this case, by someone who preyed on the plaintiff’s vulnerabilities and desire to succeed, then just threw her away like garbage when he didn’t get his way.”
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