- US singer Jason Derulo is being sued for sexual harassment.
- Aspiring singer Emaza Gibson, who signed a recording contract with Derulo, alleges the working relationship turned sour after she denied his sexual advances.
- Derulo has denied the allegations, calling them “completely false and hurtful.”
US singer Jason Derulo is being sued for sexual harassment.
People reports that aspiring musician Emaza Gibson, 25, filed a complaint against Derulo on Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court. Gibson, who signed a recording contract with Derulo, alleges the working relationship turned sour after she denied his sexual advances.
Per E! News, the lawsuit states: While recording music, Derulo informed [Gibson] that if she wanted to be successful in ‘this business’ (aka the music industry), [she] 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 filing continued: “The manner and timing of such a statement meant that Derulo was demanding sexual acts from [Gibson] in order for Derulo to fulfil his role as her mentor, supervisor and musical collaborator. This explicit demand for sex-in-exchange-for-success was reinforced through Derulo’s subsequent behaviour.”
In a statement, Gibson’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, said that Derulo’s “behaviour towards this young artist was despicable.”
“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,” continued the statement.
In an interview with NBC News, Gibson said: “I have anxiety; I’m traumatised. I’ve dealt with inhumane work situations. … I’m at this point where I’m back to zero, and I have nothing.”
A representative for Derulo denied the allegations in a statement to People.
“These claims are completely false and hurtful. 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.”
In January 2022, the 34-year-old made headlines after he got into a fight with two people outside a nightclub at the Aria Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Police told E! News at the time that the musician “committed a battery against two individuals”. The two victims did not press charges.
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