Megan Thee Stallion Heads to Trial as Judge Rules Against Dismissing Cameraman's Lawsuit

A New York federal judge has cleared most of Emilio Garcia's claims against Megan Thee Stallion to move forward, two years after he first filed suit.

Megan Thee Stallion is gearing up for trial more than two years after her former cameraman, Emilio Garcia, first took legal action against the "WAP" rapper.

Megan Thee Stallion appears on "The Jennifer Hudson Show" airing October 31, 2025 in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images

While a U.S. District Court judge in New York trimmed back some of Garcia's claims, it was ruled on Friday, August 7, that the case will still head to court. The same judge also partially denied Megan's request for summary judgment, according to documents obtained by People.

Garcia's retaliation claims under the New York City and New York State Human Rights Laws were tossed because the court found he hadn't engaged in a legally protected activity.

Megan Thee Stallion attends the Gold House 4th Annual Gold Gala at The Music Center on May 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

His claims under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act were dismissed as well, with the court concluding Megan hadn't targeted him over his sexual orientation.

Still, Megan and Roc Nation will face trial on the remaining allegations, which include failure to pay wages, additional state human rights violations, and a string of California labor code and unfair business practice claims.

Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

"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. Mr. Garcia is looking forward to having his day in court," Garcia's attorney, Ron Zambrano, said in a statement.

"My firm is excited for the privilege of presenting evidence before the jury on Mr. Garcia's behalf, including testimony from Ms. Pete, and ROC Nation CEO Desiree Perez, from the witness stand," Zambrano continued.

Megan Thee Stallion and Emilio Garcia | Source: X/DocumentTingz

Garcia originally filed his lawsuit in April 2024, alleging that Megan created an "unbearable hostile work environment."

In his complaint, the personal photographer claimed the "Savage" artist "subjected him to sexual harassment," "fat-shamed" him, and "failed to pay him properly in violation of numerous labor codes," according to documents obtained by People.

Megan Thee Stallion performs at Coachella Stage during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 20 in Indio, California. | Source: Getty Images

Court documents detail one particular incident from June 2022, while the group was on tour in Ibiza, Spain.

Following a night out, Megan, Garcia, and three other women were riding together in an SUV when, per the filing, Megan "suddenly started having sex with one of the other women right beside" him.

Garcia's complaint states that when Megan asked the next morning whether he'd been in the vehicle, he admitted he had. "Subsequently, Stallion instructed, 'Don't ever discuss what you saw,'" the filing reads.

Megan Thee Stallion performs at the Coachella Stage during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 13 in Indio, California. | Source: Getty Images

The suit also alleges that "Stallion berated and directed her fat-shaming comments towards plaintiff such as 'Fat [expletive],' 'Spit your food out,' and 'You don't need to be eating.'"

Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 2 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Beyond Megan herself, Garcia is also naming Megan Thee Stallion Entertainment, Inc., Hot Girl Touring, LLC, and Roc Nation as defendants.

According to the filing, Garcia began working as Megan's personal cameraman in July 2018 and claims he was denied essential healthcare, proper wages, and overtime pay throughout his employment.

He also alleges he was routinely forced to work more than eight-hour shifts without adequate breaks for rest or meals. Garcia was let go in June 2023, and he believes his termination came in direct retaliation for the complaints he'd raised.