Jason Derulo has had his sexual harassment lawsuit dismissed on a technicality, but a refile is imminent.
The lawsuit filed by aspiring artist Emaza Gibson against the singer in October 2023 alleged that he ended their working relationship after she denied his sexual advances.
According to Gibson's attorney, Ron Zambrano, the California judge agreed on a change of venue, so the plaintiff and her legal team plan to refile in New York City.
“This case is still very much in play,” Zambrano said in a statement to People magazine.
“The judge did not rule on the merits of the plaintiff’s claims but merely changed the venue,” he continued.
“The allegations against Derulo by Ms. Gibson remain unchanged and we remain committed to holding him accountable for his reprehensible and illegal conduct.
“The lawsuit will be refiled in New York and we fully intend to win.”
According to Rolling Stone magazine, at Tuesday’s hearing the judge ruled in favour of a change of venue because the contracts Gibson signed with Derulo and Atlantic Records in 2022 agreed that any potential disputes would be addressed in New York City courts using New York state law.
In the complaint filed in October of last year, Gibson sued for sexual harassment, breach of contract, illegal retaliatory termination and more, alleging the Whatcha Say singer “maliciously” promised her success, then denied the opportunity.
Derulo has denied the allegations, calling them “false and hurtful.”
