Jason Derulo Breaks Silence on Sexual Harassment Case: “Never Work With Women” – Lawsuit Refiled in New York After Double Dismissal

Jason Derulo made controversial remarks in a newly released interview filmed September 16, declaring he learned to “never work with women” from the sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him. The singer’s comments come as aspiring artist Emaza Gibson refiled her harassment claims in New York in September 2025 after the case was dismissed twice in California. Derulo denies all allegations, calling them “completely false,” but admits the lawsuit cost him millions and permanently damaged his reputation.

The case remains active in Manhattan state court as of December 2025, with no hearings scheduled yet. Gibson alleges Derulo sexually harassed her, demanded she participate in “sex rituals,” and sabotaged her music career when she refused his advances. Derulo maintains his innocence and says the accusations are defamatory.

What Did Jason Derulo Say When Breaking His Silence?

In an episode of “In Depth with Graham Bensinger” filmed at his Los Angeles home on September 16, 2025, but released this week, Derulo opened up about the lawsuit’s impact on his career and personal life.

When asked what he learned from the lawsuit, Derulo didn’t hesitate: “Never work with women.”

Host Graham Bensinger pushed back on the statement, but Derulo doubled down, clarifying that while the comment is blunt, the fear behind it is real.

Financial and Reputational Damage:

Derulo said the lawsuit caused significant financial loss, but the damage to his reputation hurt far more. “F-ck the money,” he said. “I have one name that I work so hard to stay clean… somebody can just say anything? That’s the world we live in.”

He added that while blogs covered the original lawsuit widely, almost none reported on the dismissals. “Why didn’t they post the dismissal at least? Wouldn’t that be fair?” he questioned. “God damn. None of that? It’s crazy.”

Men’s Hardships Rarely Discussed:

“People don’t talk about the hardships of men… it’s really tough when you have something to lose,” Derulo continued. He admitted the ordeal still weighs on him, especially the feeling that men accused of misconduct have little room to defend themselves without appearing insensitive.

Career Changes:

Derulo clarified his controversial statement, explaining he will never be alone in a room with a female coworker again. The singer said situations like his are rarely discussed publicly and that he doesn’t know the solution to preventing false accusations.

Latest Update: Lawsuit Refiled in New York September 2025

Emaza Gibson, who performs professionally as Emaza Dilan, refiled her sexual harassment lawsuit against Jason Derulo in Manhattan state court in September 2025 after two California dismissals.

Timeline of Dismissals:

First Dismissal (April 16, 2024): Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Kerry Bensinger dismissed Gibson’s original lawsuit filed in October 2023, ruling that her contracts with Derulo and Atlantic Records contained “forum selection” clauses requiring all legal disputes be handled in New York courts under New York state law.

Second Dismissal (November 22, 2024): Gibson’s attorney attempted to revive the case in California, arguing it was “impossible” for his client to pursue her claims in New York because she isn’t a New York resident and can’t bring five of her nine claims there. Judge Bensinger again sided with Derulo, ruling the forum selection clause was valid.

New York Filing (September 26, 2025): Gibson filed a 49-page complaint in Manhattan state court, restating her allegations under New York law. The new lawsuit includes claims of sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, breach of contract, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Current Case Status

Active Litigation: The case is currently pending in Manhattan state court as of December 2025. No hearings have been scheduled yet, and the case is in its early stages.

Parties Involved:

• Plaintiff: Emaza Gibson (professionally known as Emaza Dilan), 27-year-old aspiring singer
• Defendants: Jason Derulo (singer, 35), Atlantic Records, Future History (Derulo’s label), Frank Harris (Derulo’s manager)

Court: New York State Supreme Court, New York County (Manhattan)

Next Steps: The case will proceed through discovery, where both sides exchange evidence and documents. Settlement discussions may occur, or the case could proceed to trial if no settlement is reached.

What Is the Jason Derulo Sexual Harassment Lawsuit About?

Gibson alleges that what began as a dream recording opportunity turned into a nightmare of sexual harassment, intimidation, and career sabotage.

The Initial Contact (August 2021):

Gibson claims Derulo reached out to her via direct message in August 2021, expressing interest in signing her to his joint venture linking Atlantic Records with his own label, Future History. Derulo promised to personally mentor her and collaborate with her on multiple albums.

Gibson says she was “over the moon” at the prospect of Derulo leveraging his star power to boost her introduction to the market. She had always hoped to sign with Atlantic Records and considered the offer a “no-brainer.”

The Allegations Begin (November 2021):

According to the lawsuit, the professional relationship took an unexpected turn when Derulo allegedly:

• Pressured her to drink alcohol with him during late-night meetings and recording sessions
• Made sexually explicit comments during a November 2, 2021 encounter
• Told her that to “make it” in the music industry, she would have to participate in what he described as “goat skin and fish scales”

“Goat Skin and Fish Scales” Explained:

Gibson interpreted this as a Haitian reference to ritualistic sex acts involving goat sacrifice, goat blood, and cocaine (with “fish scales” being a slang term for cocaine). She understood this as “an explicit demand for sex-in-exchange-for-success.”

Hostile Behavior After Rejection:

The lawsuit alleges that after Gibson made clear she wasn’t interested, Derulo “became increasingly disinterested and aloof.” Gibson claims Derulo then:

• Physically intimidated her by “lunging at her and screaming in her face without provocation”
• Stopped responding to her text messages
• Became “deeply hostile” when she rebuffed his advances
• Stalled her music releases and withdrew promised support
• “Deliberately sabotaged her dream and career when she didn’t submit to him sexually”

Contract Termination (September 6, 2022):

Gibson’s deal with Future History and Atlantic Records was terminated without explanation on September 6, 2022, she claims.

Attempts to Report:

Gibson and her mother/manager, Sandra Bales, attempted to contact the HR department at Atlantic Records about Derulo’s inappropriate behavior but never received a response.

The Legal Claims Explained

Gibson’s lawsuit includes multiple legal claims under New York law:

1. Sexual Harassment (Quid Pro Quo):

Gibson alleges Derulo made her professional success contingent on submitting to his sexual demands. This is “quid pro quo” harassment—demanding sexual favors in exchange for career advancement.

2. Discrimination:

The lawsuit claims Derulo treated Gibson differently based on her refusal to comply with his sexual advances, creating unequal treatment in the working relationship.

3. Retaliation:

Gibson alleges Derulo retaliated against her for rejecting his advances by sabotaging her career, stalling releases, and ultimately terminating her contract.

4. Hostile Work Environment:

The complaint claims Derulo’s behavior—including physical intimidation, screaming, and sexual demands—created a hostile and intimidating work environment.

5. Breach of Contract:

Gibson alleges Derulo and the record labels breached their contractual obligations by failing to fulfill promises about mentorship, collaboration, and career support.

6. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress:

The lawsuit claims Derulo’s conduct was so extreme and outrageous that it caused Gibson severe emotional distress.

7. Failure to Remedy Workplace Harassment:

Gibson alleges Atlantic Records failed to respond to complaints about Derulo’s behavior and did not take action to remedy the harassment.

8. Violation of Civil Rights:

The complaint alleges violations of New York civil rights laws protecting employees and contractors from harassment and discrimination.

Jason Derulo’s Defense

Derulo has consistently and vigorously denied all allegations.

Instagram Statement (October 2023):

In a video posted to Instagram after Gibson first filed her lawsuit, Derulo said: “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. 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.”

Legal Team Response:

Derulo’s lawyers have called the allegations “completely false,” “blatantly false and baseless,” and “defamatory.” After the California dismissals, his legal team stated: “We are fully committed to defending Jason’s innocence against these blatantly false and baseless claims. If these false accusations are refiled in New York, we are confident that the New York court will ultimately dismiss the case and prove Jason’s innocence. The court was correct in dismissing the lawsuit in California.”

No Employment Relationship:

Derulo’s lawyer Camilo Echavarria argued in court that “there is no employment relationship” between Derulo and Gibson. “These were merely contracts and agreements to produce a record for Ms. Gibson. It was not to employ her in some way. It was merely to, as they do in the industry all time, create a recording.”

Gibson’s Response to Derulo’s Comments

After Derulo’s December 2025 interview aired, Gibson issued a statement through her lawyers:

“I will not be silenced. I’m not backing down. This is about accountability, not fame. I’m standing strong for myself, for women, and for anyone who has felt voiceless.”

Her attorneys added: “Emaza’s lawsuit alleges not just misconduct, but a blatant abuse of power misused to silence and punish artists who refuse to play along. The complaint lays out a disturbing pattern of harassment, retaliation, and contractual breaches that sabotaged a rising career.”

What Happens Next?

Discovery Phase:

The case will now enter the discovery phase in New York, where both sides will:

• Exchange documents and evidence
• Conduct depositions (sworn testimony)
• Interview witnesses
• Review contracts and communications
• Present expert testimony if applicable

Potential Outcomes:

1. Settlement:

The parties could reach a confidential settlement agreement before trial. Most civil cases settle before reaching trial.

2. Dismissal:

Derulo’s legal team may file motions to dismiss the case on various legal grounds. They previously expressed confidence that New York courts would dismiss the claims.

3. Trial:

If no settlement is reached and the case isn’t dismissed, it would proceed to trial where a jury would decide whether Gibson’s allegations are proven and what damages, if any, she should receive.

4. Appeal:

Either party could appeal an unfavorable ruling to a higher court.

Timeline:

Civil cases can take 1-3 years or longer to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Discovery alone typically takes 6-12 months or more.

Legal Significance: Forum Selection Clauses

This case highlights the importance of forum selection clauses in entertainment contracts.

What Are Forum Selection Clauses?

These are contract provisions that specify which state’s laws will apply to disputes and which courts will have jurisdiction. In Gibson’s contracts with Derulo and Atlantic Records, she agreed that all disputes would be resolved in New York courts under New York law.

Why This Matters:

• Different states have different employment and harassment laws
• Some states may be more favorable to plaintiffs or defendants
• Forum selection clauses are generally enforceable if they’re clear and reasonable
• California has some of the strongest employee protection laws in the country, which Gibson can’t access due to the forum selection clause

Judge Bensinger’s Ruling:

The California judge ruled the forum selection clause was “extremely broad” and covered “any action related to the agreement,” not just breach of contract claims. The judge found that Gibson’s entire relationship with Derulo originated from the signed agreements, so all her claims were subject to the New York forum requirement.

Impact on Derulo’s Career

Derulo revealed in his December 2025 interview that the lawsuit has significantly impacted his career and public image.

Financial Losses:

While Derulo didn’t specify exact amounts, he indicated the lawsuit cost him “millions” through lost opportunities, legal fees, and damaged business relationships.

Reputation Damage:

Derulo said the reputational harm was worse than the financial losses. “I have one name that I work so hard to stay clean,” he said, expressing frustration that allegations alone can damage a person’s reputation regardless of their truth.

Media Coverage Disparity:

Derulo noted that media outlets extensively covered the lawsuit filing but largely ignored the dismissals, leaving the public with an incomplete picture that favors the accusation over the defense.

Career Changes:

Derulo’s statement that he will “never work with women” alone again represents a significant shift in how he conducts business. While he clarified he meant he won’t be alone in a room with female colleagues, the comment sparked controversy and criticism.

Gibson’s Motivation for Filing

Gibson has stated her lawsuit is about accountability, not fame or money.

Her Statement to NBC News (October 2023):

“This is super devastating for me. This is something I always wanted to do since I was a little girl. Jason was one of my favorite artists on the pop scene. I accepted this amazing offer only to find out the person I looked up to would put me through such a traumatic situation.”

On Her Goals:

“This is about accountability, not fame. I’m standing strong for myself, for women, and for anyone who has felt voiceless.”

Attorney’s Statement:

Gibson’s attorney Ron Zambrano said: “Mr. Derulo’s behavior toward this young artist was despicable. He not only broke promises and breached contracts, but his threats of physical harm and unconscionable sexual advances toward this young woman who is just trying to break into the industry were outrageous and illegal.”

What This Means for the Entertainment Industry

The case raises important questions about power dynamics in the music industry.

Mentor-Mentee Relationships:

The lawsuit highlights the vulnerability of aspiring artists who enter mentorship relationships with established stars. When the mentor controls the artist’s career advancement, allegations of quid pro quo harassment become more credible.

Forum Selection Clauses:

Entertainment contracts routinely include forum selection clauses. Artists should carefully review these provisions and understand that signing them may limit their legal options if disputes arise.

#MeToo Movement:

This case is part of a broader pattern of sexual harassment allegations in the entertainment industry that gained prominence with the #MeToo movement. It raises questions about how the industry can protect vulnerable artists while also protecting against false allegations.

False Allegation Concerns:

Derulo’s response highlights concerns about false allegations and the difficulty of defending one’s reputation once accused. The case illustrates the tension between believing victims and protecting the accused’s right to a fair process.

How to Protect Yourself in the Entertainment Industry

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or an established professional, these steps can help protect your rights and reputation:

For Aspiring Artists:

• Review all contracts carefully before signing, including forum selection clauses
• Consult with an entertainment attorney before signing major deals
• Document all interactions, especially concerning behavior
• Bring a manager, attorney, or trusted person to meetings
• Refuse requests to drink alcohol or engage in activities you’re uncomfortable with
• Report harassment immediately to HR or appropriate channels
• Keep copies of all communications, contracts, and agreements

For Industry Professionals:

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Avoid one-on-one meetings in private settings
• Keep detailed records of all professional interactions
• Respond to concerns or complaints immediately and appropriately
• Create clear policies prohibiting harassment and retaliation
• Provide harassment training for all staff
• Investigate complaints thoroughly and document the process

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Jason Derulo accused of in the lawsuit? 

Gibson alleges Derulo sexually harassed her, pressured her to drink alcohol and have sex, demanded she participate in “sex rituals,” physically intimidated her, and sabotaged her music career when she refused his advances.

Q: What did Jason Derulo say when breaking his silence? 

In a December 2025 interview, Derulo said he learned to “never work with women” from the lawsuit, clarifying he will never be alone in a room with female colleagues again. He called the allegations “completely false” and said the lawsuit cost him millions and damaged his reputation.

Q: Has the lawsuit been dismissed? 

 The lawsuit was dismissed twice in California (April 2024 and November 2024) due to forum selection clauses requiring disputes be handled in New York. Gibson refiled the case in New York in September 2025, where it remains active as of December 2025.

Q: Where is the case now? 

The lawsuit is currently pending in Manhattan state court (New York State Supreme Court, New York County). No hearings have been scheduled yet as of December 2025.

Q: What is the current status of the lawsuit?

 The case is in its early stages in New York. Discovery has not yet begun. Neither side has indicated settlement discussions are underway.

Q: What is a forum selection clause?

It’s a contract provision specifying which state’s laws apply to disputes and which courts have jurisdiction. Gibson’s contracts required all disputes be resolved in New York courts under New York law, which is why her California lawsuits were dismissed.

Q: What compensation is Gibson seeking? 

The lawsuit seeks unpaid wages, loss of earnings, deferred compensation, employment benefits, and damages for emotional distress. No specific dollar amount has been publicly disclosed.

Q: What are the chances Gibson wins the case?

Impossible to predict. Sexual harassment cases depend heavily on credibility determinations, available evidence, and witness testimony. Both sides maintain strong positions, and the case has not reached the evidence phase yet.

Q: Has Jason Derulo been charged criminally?

No. This is a civil lawsuit, not a criminal case. Gibson is seeking monetary damages, not criminal prosecution.

Q: What does “quid pro quo” harassment mean? 

It means demanding sexual favors in exchange for career benefits or advancement. Gibson alleges Derulo made her professional success contingent on submitting to his sexual demands.

Q: Why did it take so long for Gibson to file the lawsuit? 

Gibson filed her original lawsuit in October 2023, about a year after her contract was terminated in September 2022. Legal cases often take time to prepare, and victims of harassment may need time to process their experiences before coming forward.

Q: What happens if Derulo is found liable? 

If a jury finds Derulo liable, he could be ordered to pay monetary damages to Gibson for lost earnings, emotional distress, and potentially punitive damages. His reputation in the industry could also suffer further damage.

Key Takeaways

Lawsuit Status:

• Originally filed October 2023 in Los Angeles
• Dismissed twice in California (April 2024, November 2024)
• Refiled in New York September 2025
• Currently pending in Manhattan state court
• No hearings scheduled yet as of December 2025

Derulo’s Response:

• Calls allegations “completely false and hurtful”
• Says lawsuit cost him millions and damaged reputation
• Revealed in December 2025 interview he learned to “never work with women” alone
• Maintains his innocence and says claims are defamatory

Gibson’s Position:

• Alleges sexual harassment, intimidation, and career sabotage
• Says Derulo demanded she participate in “sex rituals”
• Lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress and lost earnings
• States case is “about accountability, not fame”

Legal Framework:

• Forum selection clauses in contracts required New York jurisdiction
• Claims include harassment, discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment
• Case will proceed through discovery before potential settlement or trial
• Timeline: 1-3+ years to resolution

Industry Impact:

• Highlights power imbalances in mentor-mentee relationships
• Raises questions about protecting vulnerable artists
• Illustrates importance of reviewing contracts before signing
• Shows ongoing tensions from #MeToo movement

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Sources: Court documents from Los Angeles County Superior Court (Judge Kerry Bensinger rulings from April 16, 2024 and November 22, 2024), Manhattan state court filings (September 26, 2025), Rolling Stone verified coverage, Yahoo Entertainment reporting, NBC News original investigation, “In Depth with Graham Bensinger” interview (filmed September 16, 2025, released December 2025), Billboard reporting, and verified statements from attorneys representing both parties.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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