Jason Derulo has been accused of sexual harassment by singer Emaza Gibson who was signed to his record label.
In her affidavit, Emaza claims that Derulo ended their working relationship after she turned down his sexual advances.
The 25-year-old singer filed her complaint against Derulo, 34, in Los Angeles Superior Court, saying he ‘maliciously’ promised her success, then denied her the opportunity.
In court documents, Emaza claims Derulo offered her a contract with his label Future History in August 2021, and they and began working together in November same year.
However, she claims the ‘Wiggle’ hit maker repeatedly pressured her to socialize with him, and that there was explicit demand for sex in exchange for success.
Emaza alleges that on one occasion Derulo told her she would be required to partake in a sex ritual called ‘goat skin and fish scales’ – which involved sacrificing a goat and taking cocaine.
She also claims that she was plied with inappropriately large amounts of alcohol.
“Derulo’s behaviour toward this young artiste was despicable,” Emaza’s lawyer Ron 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,” he added.
Emaza, whose contract with Atlantic Records was terminated in September 2022, is seeking to claim unpaid wages, loss of earnings, and deferred compensation, as well as further damages for emotional distress and employment benefits.
She lists Derulo, his manager Frank Harris, Atlantic Records, RCA Records and Derulo’s Future History imprint – a joint venture with RCA – in the case.
Derulo however denied the allegations levelled against him in a statement posted to his Instagram account.
“I stand against all forms of harassment and remain committed to supporting people chasing their dreams. I strive to live my life in a positively-impacting way, so I am deeply offended by these defamatory allegations,” he said.
