A sexual harassment case once dismissed against Jason Derulo in Los Angeles has now resurfaced in New York.
According to Rolling Stone, singer Emaza Dilan refiled her lawsuit last week in Manhattan state court after a California judge tossed her initial 2023 filing, citing a clause in her artist contract that required legal disputes to be handled in New York.
The 27-year-old’s new complaint mirrors her earlier allegations: that Derulo sexually harassed her during their working relationship and turned “deeply hostile” when she rejected him. Beyond harassment, Dilan is also accusing the singer of discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, breach of contract, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
“This case arises out of a recording deal gone wrong due to egregious sexual harassment, broken promises, and retaliatory career sabotage,” the suit claims. “What began as a dream opportunity quickly descended into a nightmare of quid pro quo sexual harassment and intimidation.”
Dilan says Derulo first reached out in August 2021, offering to sign her to his Atlantic imprint, Future History. Initially thrilled, she alleges things soured in November 2021 after he pressured her to drink during late-night meetings, made sexual remarks, and told her that success in the industry required “ritualistic sex acts.” When she refused, she claims he grew cold and withdrew support.
The filing further accuses Derulo of intimidation, including “lunging at her and screaming,” and alleges he sabotaged her career by stalling music releases and ending her contract under false pretenses.
Derulo’s legal team previously dismissed the claims as “false and baseless,” telling Rolling Stone last year, “We are fully committed to defending Jason’s innocence… the New York court will ultimately dismiss the case and prove Jason’s innocence.”
Speaking to the outlet in 2023, Dilan described the experience as “super devastating,” saying, “Jason was one of my favorite artists on the pop scene. I accept this amazing offer only to find out the person I looked up to would put me through such a traumatic situation.”
Derulo also publicly responded in an Instagram post last October, stating he is “against all forms of harassment” and remains “committed to supporting people following their dreams.”
Derulo added at the time, “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.”
