LOS ANGELES (AP) — Emaza Gibson, a 25-year-old aspiring musician who recently inked a recording contract with pop star Jason Derulo, has lodged a sexual harassment complaint against the chart-topping artist. Gibson alleges that Derulo terminated their working relationship after she rebuffed his unwanted sexual advances.
The complaint was filed by Gibson on Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, and it asserts that Derulo, 34, made “malicious” promises of success to the young artist before reneging on his commitments.
“Mr. Derulo’s behavior toward this young artist was despicable,” said Gibson’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, in a statement. “He not only violated agreements and breached contracts, but his threats of physical harm and inappropriate sexual advances towards this aspiring artist trying to break into the industry were reprehensible and illegal.”
A representative for Jason Derulo issued a statement to PEOPLE magazine in response to the allegations, vehemently denying them. The statement reads, “These claims are entirely false and hurtful. I condemn all forms of harassment and continue to stand by those pursuing their dreams. I aspire to lead a life that positively impacts others, and I find these defamatory allegations deeply offensive.”
In the filed complaint, obtained by PEOPLE, Atlantic Records, Derulo’s label Future History Inc., and his manager Frank Harris are also named alongside Derulo himself. Gibson’s account contends that Derulo initially reached out to her in August 2021, indicating his intent to facilitate a collaborative venture between Atlantic and Future History. To make this venture possible, he purportedly required a new artist to introduce to Atlantic Records.
The legal action has raised questions within the entertainment industry, casting a spotlight on issues of harassment and contract disputes that can often affect emerging talents. The case will be closely monitored as it unfolds in the Los Angeles Superior Court, where both parties will have the opportunity to present their respective sides of the story.
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