Emaza Gibson, an aspiring artist, has filed a lawsuit against renowned musician Jason Derulo, accusing him of sexual harassment among other allegations.
Emaza Gibson exposes Jason Derulo in alleged sexual harassment lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, 5 October 2023, in Los Angeles, CA, revolves around Gibson’s interactions with Derulo while attempting to kickstart her musical career under his label, Future History, per multiple reports.
Gibson, a member of the musical act Ceraadi, was hopeful of a solo venture when she was approached by Derulo for a joint venture with Atlantic Records.
The deal required her to produce a mixtape and an album within a specific timeline, with a promise of a single featuring Derulo.
Gibson saw this as a golden opportunity to launch her solo career with the backing of Atlantic Records, an entity she had long desired to work with.
However, as the collaboration commenced, Gibson alleges inappropriate advances from Derulo, including repeated invitations for drinks which she declined to maintain a professional boundary.
The situation allegedly escalated in September 2021, when Gibson agreed to have a drink with Derulo, only to be presented with “inappropriately large amounts of alcohol.” Gibson’s refusal to indulge in drinking led to alleged pressure from Derulo, which she found disconcerting.
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‘Sexual favours for career advancement’
The lawsuit further details an incident in November 2021, where Gibson expressed her unwillingness to compromise her morals for success.
This conversation allegedly led to cryptic and explicit remarks from Derulo, which Gibson interpreted as an exchange of sexual favours for career advancement.
The narrative takes a darker turn with a November 2021 meeting with Atlantic executives, where Gibson alleges that Derulo’s actions implied sexual relationships with other artists as a means for career progression.
Following the meeting, Derulo allegedly exhibited aggressive behaviour when Gibson expressed her discomfort with the unfolding events.
The alleged hostility from Derulo continued into 2022, during a recording session where Gibson claims to have been berated and intimidated by Derulo, causing her to fear for her safety.
Post this incident, attempts to reach out to Derulo’s manager and Atlantic Records’ human resources proved futile, leaving Gibson feeling abandoned and wronged.
The lawsuit encapsulates a harrowing experience of alleged harassment, intimidation, and contract breaches, as Gibson navigated the complex dynamics of the music industry.
Represented by attorney Ron Zambrano, Gibson is now seeking justice against Derulo, Future History, and Atlantic Records for sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, workplace harassment, and violation of California’s Civil Rights Act.
Derulo and Atlantic Records representatives have yet to issue a response to Gibson’s startling claims.