Singer Emaza Gibson has accused US star Jason Derulo of sexual harassment and filed a legal case against him.
Gibson, who was offered a recording contract with Derulo’s record label, alleges that the star ended their working relationship after she refused his sexual advances.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, includes allegations of quid pro quo sexual harassment, breach of contract, intimidation, and violence, among other complaints.
The 25-year-old singer, speaking to NBC News, revealed the traumatic impact the alleged harassment has had on her.
“I’m at this point in my life right now, it’s very heart-breaking,” she said. “I have anxiety, I’m traumatized. I’ve dealt with inhumane work situations. I’m at this point where I’m back to zero and I have nothing.”
According to court documents, Gibson claims that Derulo offered her a contract with his label, Future History, in August 2021.
READ ALSO: Usher to Headline 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show
They began working together that November. However, she alleges that Derulo repeatedly pressured her to socialize with him and made explicit demands for sexual favors in exchange for success.
Gibson also claims that she was subjected to inappropriate advances and was plied with “inappropriately large amounts of alcohol.”
One particularly disturbing allegation is that Derulo told her she would be required to partake in a sex ritual called “goat skin and fish scales,” which involved sacrificing a goat and using cocaine.
Ron Zambrano, Emaza Gibson’s lawyer, issued a statement condemning Derulo’s behavior, stating, “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.”
In response, Jason Derulo denied them in a statement posted to his X Account (formerly called Twitter).
He said, “I stand against all forms of harassment and remain committed to supporting people chasing their dreams. I strive to live my life in a positively-impacting way, so I am deeply offended by these defamatory allegations.”
Gibson, whose contract with Atlantic Records was terminated in September 2022, is seeking to claim unpaid wages, loss of earnings, deferred compensation, emotional distress damages, and employment benefits.
The lawsuit names not only Jason Derulo but also his manager, Frank Harris, Atlantic Records, RCA Records, and Derulo’s Future History imprint, a joint venture with RCA.
