Singer Jason Derulo is in a legal dispute due to accusations made by former protégé Emaza Gibson, asserting sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, neglect to address workplace harassment, and breach of California's civil rights act. Also implicated in this lawsuit are Atlantic Records, RCA Records, and Derulo's manager, Frank Harris as reported by NBC News.
Gibson, signed onto Derulo's label, Future History, in 2021 for creating a mixtape and album. Instead, alleges Gibson, Derulo used that position to pressure her into engaging in sex, and retaliating with aggression and opportunity deprivation when she turned him down, per the lawsuit.
In a subsequent NBC News interview, Gibson expressed the deep anxiety and regret about wasted time and resources, as she tried to break in the music industry. Gibson also conveyed her intention to protect others from similar experiences.
Quoted by KTLA, attorney Ron Zambrano, representing Gibson, referred to Derulo's treatment of Gibson as "despicable". Furthermore, accusing him of physical threats and unwanted advances, Zambrano critiqued the darker aspects of music industry culture.
In the lawsuit, it is also alleged that Derulo had displayed aggression towards Gibson, in a meeting where a stranger was present. This incident made Gibson fear for her safety, claims.
Post-incident, Gibson's attempts to report Derulo's behavior to Atlantic Records, RCA Records, and Derulo’s manager, Frank Harris, all fell on deaf ears, summarises Gibson. Allegedly, even after reaching out to the human resources at Atlantic Records, there was notable inaction.
As of now, neither Derulo nor any other defendant in this case has made a public statement concerning the allegations. The lawsuit seeks unpaid wages, loss of earnings, deferred compensation, other employment benefits, and damages for emotional distress.
