Megan Thee Stallion’s sexual harassment lawsuit will proceed following the denial of a dismissal

Garcia alleged that Thee Stallion engaged in sexual activity with another woman while he was present.

A federal judge has determined that the sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit brought against Megan Thee Stallion by her former cameraman, Emelio Garcia, is permitted to move forward in the legal process.

On Wednesday (July 2), U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods determined that Garcia has provided sufficient evidence to back claims that he experienced a hostile work environment, purportedly related to his sexual orientation.

Garcia, who identifies as openly gay, claims that during his time working with Megan—whose birth name is Megan Pete—he experienced ongoing mistreatment. This refers to an event in Ibiza in 2022 where the rapper reportedly participated in a sexual act with another woman while he was present. 

The lawsuit, filed in April 2024, alleges that she tried to assault him with a remote and made derogatory remarks regarding his physical appearance.

Garcia asserts that these actions were purposefully aimed at him due to his sexuality. Judge Woods remarked in his ruling that Garcia “plausibly pleads that the alleged sexual encounter in the SUV in Ibiza established a hostile work environment based on the plaintiff’s sexual orientation.”

The judge provided further details regarding Garcia’s claim that “Pete would not have participated in group sex with other women in the presence of a heterosexual male; that Pete felt at ease engaging in group sex with other women in front of the plaintiff due to the plaintiff’s sexuality and gender.” 

Judge Woods stated, “This is a reasonable inference to draw from the facts alleged.” Consequently, the plaintiff has convincingly asserted that he faced the purported substandard conditions of his employment due to his sexual orientation.

Garcia asserts that following his expression of concerns regarding the incident, he faced retaliatory measures from Megan and her team, which included reductions in his hours and pay, culminating in his termination. He claims he was also “blackballed” from future industry opportunities.

Judge Woods determined that “these facts suggest a reasonable inference that significant terms and conditions of the plaintiff’s employment were modified in retaliation for addressing the Ibiza incident.”

Megan Thee Stallion and her representatives have strongly refuted the allegations, labeling Garcia a “con artist,” and asserting that his lawsuit is “completely based on falsehoods, misrepresentations of fact, and outrageous claims that lack any foundation in fact or law and have no merit.”

If Megan Thee Stallion, Roc Nation, and Garcia are unable to reach a settlement, the case will eventually proceed to trial.