The Masked Singer Australia 2023 panellist Abbie Chatfield has stepped down from co-hosting the Fridayz Live tour amid sexual harassment allegations against headliner Jason Derulo.
On October 27, the It’s A Lot podcast host took to Instagram to explain her decision.
**CONTENT WARNING: This article contains references to sexual assault and may be distressing to some readers.**
“I’m coming on here to let you know I have decided to step down from co-hosting the Fridayz Live tour this year and most likely in years to come,” she wrote.
“At this time, there’s an active lawsuit involving the headline act, including an allegation of sexual harassment.
“While these are presently allegations and there has been no resolution in court, I personally don’t feel comfortable performing my duties as co-host while these legal matters are outstanding.”
The 28-year-old went on to explain that her “personal stance” was to remove herself from the lineup.
She then apologised to any fans who were excited to see her, before wishing the other acts the “absolute best”.
Frontier Touring also shared a statement, announcing that The Bachelor breakout star was “no longer” hosting the event “due to personal reasons”.
What claims have been made about Jason Derulo?
In 2021, Jason promised Emaza Gibson a record deal.
However, according to NBC, the aspiring singer realised there were “strings” and “struggles” attached, leading her to file a lawsuit on October 5 in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
She alleged that The Voice coach “turned cold after she rejected his sexual advances and repeated invitations to dine and drink alcohol and that he eventually dropped her deal altogether.”
“It’s very heartbreaking,” Emaza told NBC. “I have anxiety; I’m traumatised. I’ve dealt with inhumane work situations. I’m at this point where I’m back to zero and I have nothing.”
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual assault, please contact the Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence National Help Line on 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) or head to The Australian Human Rights Commission for a list of state-by-state resources.
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