In the sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit filed against Megan Thee Stallion by her former cameraman, Emelio Garcia, a federal judge has ruled that the case will proceed.
According to US District Judge Gregory H Woods, the plaintiff had presented enough evidence to support claims that he experienced a hostile work environment, allegedly tied to his sexual orientation.
Garcia, who is gay, stated that while working with the superstar musician (born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete,) he was subjected to repeated mistreatment, including a 2022 incident in Ibiza when the rapper allegedly engaged in a sex act with another woman in a car in his presence.
Filed in April of 2024, the lawsuit also claims the now 30-year old singer attempted to assault him with a remote and made demeaning comments about his physical appearance.
In response to Garcia stating that such actions were intentionally directed at him because of his sexuality, Judge Woods noted in his ruling that Emilio “plausibly pleads that the alleged sexual encounter in the SUV in Ibiza created a hostile work environment based on the plaintiff’s sexual orientation”.
Additionally, Garcia claims that after raising concerns about the incident, he was met with retaliatory actions by Stallion and her team, including cuts to his hours and pay, and ultimately, termination. He alleges he was also “blackballed” from future industry work.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Alfred Marroquin