A California judge has dismissed Jason Derulo‘s sexual harassment case on a technicality, nonetheless, that does not imply it’s over.
Article continues below commercial
Jason Derulo’s Case Can Be Refiled In Recent York
Los Angeles courts dismissed the lawsuit on Tuesday, April 16, as a consequence of a technicality; nonetheless, based on PEOPLE, Gibson’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, said the California judge agreed on a change of venue, meaning it might be refiled in Recent York City.
“This case remains to be very much in play,” Zambrano said in a press release to PEOPLE. “The judge didn’t rule on the merits of the plaintiff’s claims, but merely modified the venue.”
In line with Rolling Stone, the judge granted a change of venue based on the contracts Gibson signed with Derulo and Atlantic Records in 2022, which specified that any potential disputes could be resolved within the courts of Recent York City under Recent York state law.
Article continues below commercial
Jason Derulo Accused Of Sexual Harassment
Zambrano continues to face by his client, claiming, “The allegations [made] against Derulo by Ms. Gibson remain unchanged, and we remain committed to holding him accountable for his reprehensible and illegal conduct.”
He added, “The lawsuit will likely be refiled in Recent York and we fully intend to win.”
Gibson’s initial suit was filed in October 2023 at Los Angeles Superior Court. She claimed that the “Whatcha Say” singer “maliciously” promised her success, then later denied the chance.
Article continues below commercial
“Mr. Derulo’s behavior toward this young artist was despicable,” Gibson’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, said in a press release on the time. “He not only broke guarantees and breached contracts, but his threats of physical harm and unconscionable sexual advances toward this young woman who’s just attempting to break into the industry were outrageous and illegal.”
Article continues below commercial
Emaza Gibson Considered Jason Derulo A Mentor
In line with the initial filing, Gibson said she considered the singer a “mentor [and] supervisor,” but claims she was surprised after she was told that to advance within the music industry, she had to participate in “goat skin and fish scales,” which is a reference to sex rituals and cocaine.
“The way and timing of such a press release meant that Derulo was demanding sexual acts from [Gibson] to ensure that Derulo to meet his role as her mentor, supervisor, and musical collaborator,” the criticism states. “This explicit demand for sex-in-exchange-for-success was reinforced through Derulo’s subsequent behavior.”
Article continues below commercial
Jason Derulo Accused Of Putting Constant Pressure On Emaza Gibson To Drink
She also alleges that Derulo “continually” put pressure on her to drink with him during recording sessions. After telling him she wasn’t “a drinker,” he allegedly pushed the thought of calling an Uber for her to get home. This allegedly happened on a couple of occasion, but one specific incident is what led Gibson to file a lawsuit.
Gibson claims she “reluctantly” obliged to drink the drink Derulo gave her one evening, though she claims the drink was too strong, and she or he allegedly told him so.
“After this session, where [Gibson] declined to drink and have sex with Derulo, the offer to rearrange for [Gibson] to get to and from Derulo’s studio ceased,” the criticism stated.
On the time, a rep for Derulo spoke to PEOPLE, denying the allegations. “These claims are completely false and hurtful,” the statement read.
“I stand against all types of harassment and remain committed to supporting people chasing their dreams. I strive to live my life in a positively-impacting way, so I’m deeply offended by these defamatory allegations,” the rep for Derulo added.
Article continues below commercial
Jason Derulo Breaks Silence On Accusations
After the claims surfaced, the ‘Wiggle’ singer released a press release via Instagram video. “I wouldn’t normally comment, but these claims are completely false and hurtful. I stand against all types of harassment and I remain supportive of anybody following their dreams.”
He added, “I’ve all the time 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.”
Gibson filed the lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, breach of contract, wrongful termination in retaliation, and other claims. The case will proceed once Gibson and her legal team refile in Recent York City.
