Jason Derulo Responds to ‘False and Hurtful’ Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Jason Derulo is responding to accusations made by an aspiring pop star. 

Earlier this week, musician Emaza Gibson sued the "Swalla" singer alleging quid pro quo sexual harassment. She also accused Derulo of dropping her record deal after she rejected his sexual advances.

In a new video shared on social media early Friday morning, Derulo denied the allegations made in the lawsuit. 

"I wouldn't normally comment but these claims are completely false and hurtful," he said on Instagram. "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."

Hours after Derulo denied the allegations, Gibson's attorney responded to the video. 

"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," Los Angeles attorney Ron Zambrano said in a statement to The Messenger Friday. "He should be offended by these allegations, as should everyone, including his fans. Emaza is certainly offended by his dismissive attitude."

The statement continued, "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."

Derulo's response came after Gibson filed the lawsuit against him in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

According to the lawsuit reviewed by The Messenger, Derulo reached out to Gibson in August 2021 asking if she would be interested in creating a mixtape and an album for Derulo's Future History and Atlantic Records. 

Gibson alleges Derulo repeatedly invited her to meet for dinner and drinks at a members-only lounge, but she declined to maintain a professional boundary. Derulo also allegedly offered her drinks during studio sessions, but she did not partake to maintain her voice while performing.

"While recording music, Derulo informed Plaintiff that if she wanted to be successful in the ‘this business' (aka, the music industry), Plaintiff would be required to partake in 'goat skin and fish scales,' which is a Haitian reference referring to conducting sex rituals, sacrificing a goat, goat blood and doing cocaine," the lawsuit states. "The manner and timing of such a statement meant that Derulo was demanding sexual acts from Plaintiff in order for Derulo to fulfill his role as her mentor, supervisor and musical collaborator. This explicit demand for sex-in-exchange-for-success was reinforced through Derulo's subsequent behavior."

Gibson's lawsuit seeks unpaid wages, loss of earnings, deferred compensation and other employment benefits and damages for emotional distress.

The Messenger has reached out to Derulo's team for comment.