“Music Industry Is Due For A #MeToo Movement”: Jason Derulo’s Response To Sex Harassment Suit Receives Scathing Backlash From Emaza Gibson’s Lawyer – Update

Denise Petski and Dominic Patten
·3 min read
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UPDATED with Gibson attorney statement: Jason Derulo is speaking out about a lawsuit filed against him by one of his former artists alleging sexual harassment and retaliation — and Emaza Gibson’s lawyer is hauling the ‘Watcha Say” singer on the carpet, again,

“I wouldn’t normally comment but these claims are completely false and hurtful,” Derulo asserted in an Instagram post Friday. “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.” See his post below.

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In the lawsuit filed Thursday in LA Superior Court, Gibson alleges sexual harassment and more against Derulo who signed her under his Atlantic Records imprint Future History in August 2021. In a dense complaint, Gibson claims the singer later went “radio silent” about her requests to schedule recording sessions after she rejected his sexual advances and his repeated invitations for dinners and drinks. He then dropped her deal in September 2022

Read Gibson’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Derulo here.

Detailing occasions where Derulo went ballistic on her, Gibson’s complaint alleges quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual harassment, failure to prevent and/or remedy harassment, retaliation, intimidation and violence, breach of contract and breach of good faith.

In response to Derulo’s Instagram post, Gibson’s L.A. attorney Ron Zambrano today issued the following statement:

“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,” Zambrano says. He should be offended by these allegations, as should everyone, including his fans,” the West Coast Employment Lawyers partner added. “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 behavior.”

The Employment Litigation Chair at WCEL,  Zambrano is also one of the attorneys representing the former tour dancers and Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls contestants suing Lizzo for sexual harassment, assault, discrimination and fostering a “hostile work environment.”

Gibson’s complaint alleges quid pro quo sexual harassment, sexual harassment, failure to prevent and/or remedy harassment, retaliation, intimidation and violence, breach of contract and breach of good faith.

According to the complaint, after her experience with Derulo, Gibson sought “medical intervention for breakdowns, weight loss, insomnia, mood swings, hopelessness, loss of motivation, betrayal, feelings of betrayal and deception.” It also alleges she received “mental health treatment where she was diagnosed with, including, but not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder.”

In addition to attorneys’ fees and other litigation expenses, Gibson is seeking damages that cover unpaid wages, loss of earnings, emotional distress and medical expenses. The performer is also demanding a jury trial for the case.

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A post shared by Jason Derulo (@jasonderulo)


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