Dismissal Of Jason Derulo Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Doesn't End Legal Battle

A California judge has dismissed Jason Derulo's sexual harassment case on a technicality, however, that doesn't mean it is over.

In October 2023, Emaza Gibson filed a lawsuit against the 'Slow Low' singer, accusing he ended their working relationship after she denied his sexual advances. Derulo denies the claims.

Los Angeles courts dismissed the lawsuit on Tuesday, April 16, due to a technicality; however, according to PEOPLE, Gibson's attorney, Ron Zambrano, said the California judge agreed on a change of venue, meaning it can be refiled in New York City.

"This case is still very much in play," Zambrano said in a statement to PEOPLE. "The judge did not rule on the merits of the plaintiff’s claims, but merely changed the venue."

According to 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 would be resolved in the courts of New York City under New York state law.

Zambrano continues to stand 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 be refiled in New 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 opportunity.

“Mr. Derulo’s behavior toward this young artist was despicable,” Gibson’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, said in a statement at the time. “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.”

According to 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 in the music industry, she had to take part in “goat skin and fish scales,” which is a reference to sex rituals and cocaine.

“The manner and timing of such a statement meant that Derulo was demanding sexual acts from [Gibson] in order for Derulo to fulfill his role as her mentor, supervisor, and musical collaborator,” the complaint states. “This explicit demand for sex-in-exchange-for-success was reinforced through Derulo’s subsequent behavior.”

She also alleges that Derulo “constantly” put pressure on her to drink with him during recording sessions. After telling him she wasn't "a drinker," he allegedly pushed the idea of calling an Uber for her to get home. This allegedly happened on more than one 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 allegedly told him so.

“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,” the complaint stated.

At 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 forms of harassment and remain committed to supporting people chasing their dreams. I strive to live my life in a positively-impacting way, so I am deeply offended by these defamatory allegations," the rep for Derulo added.

After the claims surfaced, the 'Wiggle' singer released a statement via Instagram video. “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."

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."

Gibson filed the lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, breach of contract, wrongful termination in retaliation, and other claims. The case will continue once Gibson and her legal team refile in New York City.