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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Pop star Jason Derulo has responded to singer Emaza Gibson's allegations of quid pro quo sexual harassment in a recent lawsuit filed on Thursday, October 5, in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
In a video shared on his social media platforms on Friday, Derulo asserted that he doesn't usually address such matters but emphasized that he "wouldn’t normally comment, these claims are completely false and hurtful."
Earlier this week, aspiring musician Gibson, who claims to have been approached by Derulo with a record deal offer, accused him of exhibiting aggressive behavior that left her feeling unsafe.
She also alleged that he implied a connection between her career advancement and engaging in sexual activities with him.
Furthermore, Gibson's legal complaint includes a claim that the 'Savage Love' singer mentioned something referred to as "goat skin and fish scales," which she interpreted as a potential reference to ritualistic sexual acts.
"I have anxiety; I’m traumatized," said the complainant to NBC on Wednesday, adding, "I’ve dealt with inhumane work situations… I’m at this point where I’m back to zero and I have nothing."
On other hand, in his statement, Derulo noted, "I stand against all forms of harassment and I remain supportive of anybody following their dreams."
He added, "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."
Fans back Jason Derulo amid sexual harassment allegations
As soon as the statement was posted on the X (formerly Twitter) account of Jason Derulo, fans started showing support.
One wrote, "These claims are rubbish. So sorry Jason that you have to go through this x."
"The truth always comes out, we stand by you," noted another.
A fan expressed, "I'm sorry to hear. There should be a law whereas false accusers receive the same punishment as those who inflict harm."
"An independent artist doing it big and blowing up with no label to back him up ...of course they gonna try set him up," opined a person.
One more simply stated, "We trust you !!!!"
What does Emaza Gibson's lawsuit against Jason Derulo say?
Emaza Gibson claims that she had to go through "aggressive behavior, unwanted invitations, implications that she’d have to have sex with him to advance and fear for her safety" in the lawsuit filed against Jason Derulo.
Gibson, who is a YouTuber with a following of 1.25 million said, "I’m at this point in my life right now, it’s very heartbreaking," as per NBC.
Moreover, she mentioned in the lawsuit that as they worked, Derulo quite regularly invited her to drinks and dinner at a members-only lounge. According to her, she used to decline the offers "in order to keep their relationship professional."
Jason Derulo offered alcohol to Emaza Gibson during a recording session
In September 2021, during one late-night recording session, Jason Derulo apparently again asked her for a drink to which she "reluctantly" agreed. However, after taking a sip she found it "too strong," as per 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," said Gibson said during an NBC News interview, adding, "It’s, like, pressure at this point."
"After this session, where [Gibson] declined to drink and have sex with Derulo, the offer to arrange for [Gibson] to get to and from Derulo’s studio ceased," further states the complaint.
