Megan Thee Stallion’s former cameraman’s lawsuit will proceed to trial after judge dismisses some claims
A federal judge has ruled that a 2024 lawsuit filed by Megan Thee Stallion’s former cameraman, Emilio Garcia, will proceed to trial, while dismissing some of his claims against the rapper and Roc Nation.
U.S. District Judge Jessica G.L. Clarke partially granted and partially denied the defendants’ request for summary judgment in a ruling issued Friday, Aug. 7, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
Garcia’s retaliation claims under the New York City Human Rights Law and New York State Human Rights Law were dismissed because the court found that he had not engaged in a protected activity. His claims under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act were also dismissed after the court found that the conduct at issue was not based on his sexual orientation.
However, several of Garcia’s other claims will remain in the case and go before a jury. They include allegations involving unpaid wages, violations of state human rights laws, multiple California labor code provisions and unfair business practices.
Garcia’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, welcomed the ruling and said his client was prepared to continue with the case.
“We thank Judge Woods for taking the time to review and consider the evidence which led to his substantive ruling primarily in Mr. Garcia’s favor,” Zambrano said. “Mr. Garcia is looking forward to having his day in court.”
Zambrano also said his firm plans to present evidence and call witnesses, including Megan, whose legal name is Megan Pete, and Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez.
Garcia filed the lawsuit in April 2024, claiming he experienced an “unbearable hostile work environment” while working for Megan from 2018 to 2023. His lawsuit included allegations of sexual harassment, comments about his weight and improper payment.
Megan’s legal team denied the allegations in a May 2024 filing, describing Garcia’s complaint as containing “falsehoods, misrepresentations of fact, and outlandish claims.”
Her attorneys, Mari Henderson and Alex Spiro, also accused Garcia of attempting to use the lawsuit to promote his own singing career while damaging Megan’s career.
The latest ruling means the case will continue on the claims that survived the court’s review.
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