Singer Jason Derulo has hit back against claims that he sexually harassed and intimidated an aspiring singer to the point of her being dropped from his label.
Yesterday, singer and influencer Emaza Gibson claimed Derulo made sexual advances towards her after she joined his Atlantic Records–affiliated label, Future History in August 2021, but says that after she rejected him, she was dropped from the label in September 2022.
The lawsuit, which she filed yesterday in the Los Angeles Superior Court, includes allegations of quid pro quo sexual harassment, intimidation, and breach of contract.
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Derulo has spoken out in response in a video shared to Instagram.
“I wouldn’t normally comment but these claims are completely false and hurtful,” Derulo said while sitting in a dressing room.
“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.”
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Gibson’s legal team, headed by Ron Zambrano, who is also in charge of singer Lizzo’s sexual-harassment lawsuit, issued a response.
“If Derulo truly remained supportive of anyone following their dreams, he would acknowledge the pain and suffering he caused Emaza and aim to be a better person,” he said in a statement obtained by E! News.
“He should be offended by these allegations, as should everyone, including his fans. Emaza is certainly offended by his dismissive attitude. The entire music industry is due for a #MeToo movement. This sort of conduct is pervasive but it takes brave people like Emaza to come out of the shadows and share their stories to finally bring an end to this shameful behaviour.”