Los Angeles, California – A former cameraman who worked with rapper Megan Thee Stallion has filed a lawsuit alleging harassment and other workplace-related claims. Emilio Garcia, who worked with the rapper from 2018 to 2023, lodged a complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Megan Thee Stallion and her companies, Megan Thee Stallion Entertainment Inc., Hot Girl Touring LLC, and Roc Nation. The lawsuit includes accusations of harassment and hostile work environments, among other labor code violations.
One of the incidents mentioned in the lawsuit involves Stallion allegedly having sex in a moving car in Spain in June 2022, leaving Garcia feeling embarrassed and offended. The legal document also claims that Stallion instructed Garcia not to discuss the encounter with anyone. Additionally, Garcia accuses the rapper of body-shaming him, calling him derogatory names and criticizing his weight and eating habits.
According to the lawsuit, Garcia was also wrongfully compensated during his employment, being misclassified as an independent contractor which deprived him of benefits like health care and overtime pay. The lawsuit further alleges that in 2022, Garcia’s compensation structure was changed from a monthly rate to a pay-per-task system, resulting in less income for him despite dedicating significant time and effort to his work.
Furthermore, Garcia claims that Stallion prohibited him from working for anyone else and required him to remain on standby 24/7 while on tour. The lawsuit asserts that Garcia’s contract was terminated as retaliation for his complaints about harassment and payment issues. The lawsuit also mentions the psychological toll the toxic work environment took on Garcia, leading to anxiety, depression, and physical distress.
Stallion’s attorney, Alex Spiro, responded to the lawsuit by stating that it is purely an employment claim for money and denied any sexual harassment claims. On the other hand, Ron Zambrano, representing Garcia, emphasized the importance of holding celebrities accountable for illegal actions and ensuring that employees working for stars are provided with a harassment-free workplace.
The lawsuit sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals working in the entertainment industry and raises important questions about workplace harassment and fair compensation for employees. The legal battle between Garcia and Megan Thee Stallion highlights the complexities of power dynamics and accountability in celebrity workplaces, sparking a conversation about the need for safeguards to protect employees in all industries.