Jason Derulo denies allegations he demanded sex in exchange for a record deal
Pop superstar Jason Derulo, who’s currently a judge on The Voice Australia, released a surprise response to harassment allegations. Watch the video.
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Pop star and judge on The Voice Australia, Jason Derulo, released a rare video response to sexual harassment allegations he says left him “deeply offended”.
The “Watcha Say” singer, who is accused of cancelling a record deal for an aspiring artist who refused his sexual advances, denied the claim in an Instagram video statement.
“I wouldn’t normally comment but these claims are completely false and hurtful. I stand against all forms of harassment and I remain supportive of anybody following their dreams,” Derulo said.
“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.”
In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Emaza Gibson alleged that Derulo went “radio silent” after she rejected his repeated advances, and that she was eventually dropped from her deal.
In response to Derulo’s denial, LA-based lawyer Ron Zambrano said that Gibson was offended by the popstar claiming he was being offended.
“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. He should be offended by these allegations, as should everyone, including his fans,” Zambrano said in a statement.
“Emaza is certainly offended by his dismissive attitude. The entire music industry is due for a #MeToo movement. 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 behaviour.”
Gibson claimed the 34-year-old pop star contacted her in August 2021, promising a record deal that required him to produce a mixtape for her in four months and an album in six, according to the lawsuit.
“I’m like, OK, well, Jason is a great artist — big, international, powered with Atlantic,” Gibson told NBC News in the US.
“This should be a no-brainer, and I should be able to, you know, start my solo career.”
However, as time went by, Gibson claimed she considered Derulo’s statements an “explicit demand for sex-in-exchange-for-success”.
DERULO IN SHOCK SEX CLAIM
Pop superstar Jason Derulo has been accused of canning a record deal for an aspiring singer after she rejected his sexual advances, according to a bombshell lawsuit.
According to The Sun, the suit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday local time claims Derulo, who is currently appearing as a judge on the Voice Australia, made implications that hopeful singer Emaza Gibson would have to have sex with him to further her career.
The aspiring singer said Derulo repeatedly asked her out and tried to get her to drink with him in the studio, the lawsuit claims.
Gibson said she rejected his offers to keep their relationship professional, but, in one instance, agreed to have a drink with the star.
In September 2021, Gibson and Derulo were drinking in the studio, and she was given “inappropriately large amounts of alcohol,” according to the lawsuit.
“I told him that I wasn’t a drinker … so it’s like, you know, you’re not listening to that the first time I tell you, and you’re still pushing on me,” she said.
After meeting with executives at Atlantic Records in November 2021, Gibson alleges her deal was signed but that Derulo failed to assign her a project manager and ignored her messages.
Gibson witnessed Derulo’s explosive attitude in June 2022 when she was running late to a recording session with him, according to the lawsuit.
Derulo allegedly charged at Gibson in front of her mother and his staff.
“I had to step back … my hand just clutched my chest because I was like, I’ve, I’ve never been approached this way by anybody,” Gibson said.
That was the last time she saw Derulo.
Gibson was eventually dropped by Atlantic Records in September 2022, according to the lawsuit.
“I’m at this point in my life right now, it’s very heartbreaking,” Gibson told NBC News.
“I have anxiety, I’m traumatised. I’ve dealt with inhumane work situations. I’m at this point where I’m back to zero and I have nothing.”
Gibson said she and her mother have tried to contact human resources at Atlantic Records through email but have not been able to get in touch with anyone.
“I’m just trying to fight for what’s right,” Gibson said.
“Because what was done to me was not OK. And I wouldn’t want anybody else to go through what I went through.
“They wasted my time. They promised me things … ‘Forget the contract.’ That’s what I was told.
“But if I wasn’t going to do, if I wasn’t doing my part according to this contract, I would be in trouble. I would be held accountable.”
Gibson’s lawsuit accuses Derulo, his imprints, and Atlantic Records of sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, a failure to remedy workplace harassment, and violation of California’s civil rights act.
She is seeking unpaid wages, loss of earnings, deferred compensation, and other employment benefits and damages for emotional distress.
Derulo has not commented on the claims.
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