Jason Derulo Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations and Says He's 'Deeply Offended' by 'Defamatory Claims’

A lawsuit was filed against the R&B artist by an aspiring singer on Thursday

Jason Derulo has broken his silence on the sexual harassment complaint filed against him.

After a lawsuit was filed on Thursday by an aspiring singer claiming Derulo, 34, ended their working relationship after she denied his sexual advances, the R&B star shared a statement. Early on Friday, the “Glad U Came” artist shared a video of himself on Instagram in which he called the allegations “false and hurtful.”

“I wouldn’t normally comment, but these claims are completely false and hurtful,” the “Whatcha Say” singer said in the video, recording himself in what appears to be a dressing room and wearing a printed denim jacket and shirt.

“I stand against all forms of harassment and I remain supportive of anybody following their dreams,” Derulo continued. “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.”

The performer concluded his statement by saying, “God bless.”

In the caption of the post, he shared a transcript of his statement.

Related: Jason Derulo Sued by Aspiring Singer Who Claims Star Expected 'Sex in Exchange for Success'

The complaint — which was obtained by PEOPLE and also names Atlantic Records, Derulo’s label Future History Inc., and his manager Frank Harris — was filed by Emaza Gibson, 25, in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday. Gibson is suing for sexual harassment, breach of contract, illegal retaliatory termination and more, accusing the singer-songwriter of “maliciously” promising her success, then denying the opportunity.

A rep for Derulo denied the allegations in a statement shared with PEOPLE, which is the same statement the singer later shared publicly on Instagram.

“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 should be offended by these allegations, as should everyone, including his fans. Emaza is certainly offended by his dismissive attitude," Gibson’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, said in a statement. "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 behavior."

In the complaint, Gibson claims Derulo reached out to her in August 2021 when he said he needed to bring a new artist to Atlantic Records in order to take on a new joint venture between the label and his Future History imprint. 

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Gibson says she “eagerly” accepted the offer to work with the Cats actor, and entered agreements with Derulo, Atlantic and Future History, with the plan being that within four months she would deliver a mixtape to Atlantic and an album within six, in addition to a single featuring Derulo.

In the documents, Gibsons says she considered Derulo a “mentor [and] supervisor” — but, after texting regularly to schedule recording sessions and work meetings, was caught off guard when he began repeatedly inviting her to drinks and dinner. The plaintiff says she did not want to meet with the recording artist outside of a professional setting and would instead suggest to meet at the studio, at which point she claims Derulo asked if she’d have a drink with him in the studio.

She alleges he’d “constantly” pressure her to drink with him during recording sessions, despite her saying she wasn’t “a drinker,” prompting him to “assure” her he’d call her an Uber home.

Gibson claims that during a late-night recording session in September 2021, Derulo again asked her to have a drink with him, and she “reluctantly” obliged, though she felt the drink was too strong and allegedly told him so.

The complaint reads, “After this session, where [Gibson] declined to drink and have sex with Derulo, the offer to arrange for [Gibson] to get to and from Derulo’s studio ceased.”

“Mr. Derulo’s behavior toward this young artist was despicable,” Zambrano said in a statement. “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.”

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The documents also reference a November 2021 incident, during which Derulo and Gibson met with the presidents of Atlantic to discuss her career. Gibson claims Derulo invited another woman into the meeting at last minute, claiming he hoped to have sex with her, and grew angry at Gibson when she addressed him and his manager about being “thrown off guard” by the woman’s presence.

Gibson says Derulo eventually ceased communication, and was told in September 2022 that her employment with Atlantic and Future History had been terminated.

The suit also says that the plaintiff was told by Derulo that in order to succeed in the industry, she had to take part in “goat skin and fish scales,” a reference to sex rituals and cocaine, according to the complaint. It also alleges Gibson eventually sought mental health treatment and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The suit also names Radio Corporation of America DBA “RCA Records,” though Radio Corporation of America is a defunct electronics company that’s a separate entity from Sony Music’s RCA Records, which does not appear to have a current contractual relationship with Derulo or Future History.

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