Jason Derulo Lawsuit Dismissed on Technicality, Will Be Refiled

The sexual harassment case filed against Jason Derulo has been dismissed on a technicality, but the case isn’t over yet.

PEOPLE can confirm that the suit aspiring artist Emaza Gibson filed in October 2023 against Derulo, 34, alleging he ended their working relationship after she denied his sexual advances, was dismissed by Los Angeles courts on Tuesday, April 16 due to a technicality.

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.

“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, during the Tuesday hearing, the judge ruled in favor 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, which was obtained by PEOPLE, Gibson sued for sexual harassment, breach of contract, illegal retaliatory termination and more, alleging that the “Whatcha Say” singer “maliciously” promised her success, then denied said opportunity.

Derulo has denied the allegations, and a rep for the recording artist shared a statement to PEOPLE shortly after the suit was filed, calling the allegations “false and hurtful.”

The original filing stated that Gibson “eagerly” accepted the opportunity to work with Derulo and enter into an agreement with Atlantic and his label Future History with the promise of a mixtape to be released by Atlantic within four months and an album within six, as well as a single featuring the hitmaker.

Despite their professional relationship, the complaint alleged “Derulo was demanding sexual acts from [Gibson] in order for Derulo to fulfill his role as her mentor, supervisor and musical collaborator.”

“This explicit demand for sex-in-exchange-for-success was reinforced through Derulo’s subsequent behavior,” the papers claimed.

She alleged that the singer/actor “constantly” pressured her to drink with him during recording sessions, repeatedly asked her to drinks and dinner, among other accusations.

The complaint cited several anecdotes, including one in which Gibson claimed during a late-night recording session with Derulo that he asked her to have a drink with him, and she “reluctantly” obliged, though she felt the drink was too strong and 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 says.

One day after the complaint was filed, the “Slow Low” singer also shared a statement on Instagram.

The singer posted a video of himself denying the claims that were raised, saying, “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 continued. “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.”

The case will remain ongoing once Gibson and her lawyers file again in New York City.