- The Lesson Learned: When Bensinger asked what Derulo took away from the experience, he replied without pause: “Never work with women.” He quickly clarified this as hyperbole with a “sad truth” behind it, emphasizing, “I will never be alone in a room with a woman that I work with… ever, ever again.” Derulo described the risk as too high, citing how “arbitrary” stories can derail a career, even if unfounded.
- Impact on His Career: Derulo revealed the lawsuit led to significant financial losses (millions of dollars) and reputational harm. He noted that media outlets widely covered the initial filing but largely ignored the dismissals, leaving the public with a skewed narrative. As a singer, dancer, and former guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance, he stressed that his “one name” is all he has, and false claims feel like an unfair threat in today’s climate.
- Specific Allegations He Addressed: Derulo dismissed extreme claims from the suit, such as one alleging he “sacrificed a goat in a sexual ritual,” calling them “crazy” and baseless. He denied all accusations of harassment, retaliation, or creating a hostile work environment.
Background on the LawsuitThe suit was filed by aspiring singer Emaza Dilan (also referred to as Emaza Gibson in some reports) in October 2023 against Derulo and Atlantic Records. Dilan alleged that Derulo exploited his position as her mentor, pressuring her into “degrading sexual rituals” and cocaine use as a condition for career advancement. After she rejected his advances and complained, she claimed he retaliated by stalling her music releases and terminating her contract.
- Dismissals: The case was dismissed in California (due to a venue clause requiring New York courts) and Nevada. It was refiled in New York in September 2025, incorporating similar claims under New York law for discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, and emotional distress. As of December 8, 2025, the refiled case remains active, though Derulo maintains his innocence.
- Derulo’s Perspective: He expressed frustration over the lack of media balance, saying, “Why didn’t they post the dismissal at least?” He also touched on broader themes, like his views on monogamy (“not for me” if everyone’s honest) and past relationship “embellishments” in headlines.
Public Reaction and Video ClipThe interview clip has gone viral, sparking debate on X (formerly Twitter) about gender dynamics in the workplace, #MeToo fallout, and media bias. Users have shared snippets, with some praising Derulo’s caution as pragmatic self-protection and others criticizing it as discriminatory or overly broad. For instance:
- Posts highlight the “shocking” nature of his words, like one from
@trendytimesnow
embedding a 1:52 video clip of the exchange.
- Complex shared a summary post with over 32K views, noting the career “impact” despite dismissal.
- Other reactions range from support (“The state gives women too much power”) to unrelated tangents, but the core discussion centers on the interview’s raw honesty.
You can watch the full clip from the interview (embedded in multiple X posts and articles) here for context: Video Clip via Trendytimes on X. The episode is available on Graham Bensinger’s platform for deeper viewing.This statement reflects a broader conversation about professional boundaries in high-stakes industries, where even dismissed claims can have lasting effects. Derulo’s approach—while controversial—appears driven by personal caution rather than blanket exclusion of women from his work. If you’re looking for more on the lawsuit’s legal status or similar cases, let me know!