A former cameraman for Megan Thee Stallion has filed a lawsuit against the hip-hop star, alleging harassment and a hostile work environment. Emilio Garcia claims that he was trapped in a moving vehicle with Megan in a foreign country while she had sex with a woman and was told not to discuss what he saw. The suit asserts that the harassment he experienced made his working conditions intolerable. An attorney for Megan Thee Stallion has stated that this is an employment claim for money, not a sexual harassment claim, and they will address it in court.
Garcia began working for Megan Thee Stallion as a personal cameraman in 2018 and continued until June 2023. He claims that during a trip to Ibiza, Spain in 2022, he witnessed Megan and another woman having sex in a moving car, causing him discomfort and shock. After the incident, he was allegedly fat-shamed by Megan and saw changes in his compensation and treatment. Garcia started considering quitting due to possessiveness and lack of pay, and his services were eventually no longer required in June 2023, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit details various instances of alleged mistreatment by Megan towards Garcia, including verbal abuse and fat-shaming comments. Garcia faced emotional distress and physical injuries as a result of the toxic work environment. He also claims that his misclassification as an independent contractor led to a lack of essential insurance coverage, depriving him of necessary healthcare. The lawsuit seeks unpaid wages, interest on unpaid wages, unpaid overtime wages, and other employee benefits, as well as statutory penalties, wage penalties, punitive damages, and legal costs.
Emilio Garcia’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, has called for Megan Thee Stallion to take responsibility for her behavior, pay Garcia what he is owed, and cease any inappropriate conduct. The lawsuit also alleges that Garcia was prohibited from working for anyone else, denied overtime pay and breaks, and faced additional challenges due to his misclassification as an independent contractor. Garcia is seeking compensation of more than six figures and hopes to bring attention to the importance of advocating for oneself in the entertainment industry, where there is often no HR department to address workplace issues.
The ongoing legal battle between Emilio Garcia and Megan Thee Stallion highlights the complexities of workplace harassment and mistreatment in the entertainment industry. Garcia’s allegations shed light on the challenges faced by employees in advocating for themselves in environments lacking proper support systems. The lawsuit aims to hold Megan accountable for her actions and seek compensation for the damages incurred by Garcia. As the case progresses, it will serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all individuals, regardless of their industry or position.
