A singer who worked with Jason Derulo has filed a lawsuit against him for sexual harassment. The singer, Emaza Gibson, claims the “Trumpets” vocalist pressured her into having sex with him, and after she refused, he fired her.
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According to KTLA, Derulo’s Future History label signed Gibson in 2021. She claims she had plans to make a mixtape and album. However, the lawsuit states Derulo was more interested in “goat skin and fish scales,” a Haitian phrase Gibson interpreted as the “Whatcha Say” singer asking for “sexual acts” from Gibson and cocaine use.
“This explicit demand for sex-in-exchange-for-success was reinforced through DERULO’s subsequent behavior,” the lawsuit said, explaining this included aggression, shouting and less professional opportunities thrown Gibson’s way after she rejected him.
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In a news release, Gibson’s attorney, 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 added that his behavior is both illegal and in breach of contract.
“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,” Zambrano said.
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Atlantic Records and RCA Records, which worked with both Gibson and Future History, are noted as defendants alongside Derulo.
“Executives knew of Derulo’s behavior without a care,” Zambrano said. “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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Derulo has addressed Gibson’s claims and called them “hurtful” and “defamatory,” TMZ reported.
“I wouldn’t normally comment, but these claims are completely false and hurtful,” he said in a video statement posted on Instagram. “I stand against all forms of harassment, and I remain supportive of anybody following their dreams.”
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He concluded by sharing how hurt he was by the allegations.
“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,” he said.
