Megan Thee Stallion is officially heading to court following a federal judge’s decision to allow a lawsuit filed by her former photographer to proceed to trial. The legal battle, which centers on allegations of harassment and unpaid wages, marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute between the Houston rapper and her former employee, Emilio Garcia.
According to documents obtained by XXL, U.S. District Judge Gregory Woods denied a motion for summary judgment filed by the rapper’s legal team on Friday, August 7, 2026. The ruling indicates that there is sufficient conflicting evidence regarding the claims of a hostile work environment, wage theft, and unfair business practices to warrant a full trial.
The lawsuit, originally filed in April 2024, alleges that Garcia was subjected to a hostile work environment while working for the artist. Among the more specific claims, the former cameraman alleged that during a 2022 trip to Ibiza, Spain, he was trapped in a vehicle with the rapper while she engaged in sexual activity with another individual. Garcia further claims that he was subsequently instructed not to discuss the incident. Additionally, the suit includes accusations of fat-shaming and violations of labor codes regarding compensation.
Ron Zambrano, a partner at West Coast Employment Lawyers and legal counsel for Garcia, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. “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,” Zambrano stated. “Mr. Garcia is looking forward to having his day in court.”
The legal action names several entities alongside the artist, including Megan Thee Stallion Entertainment, Inc., Hot Girl Touring, LLC, and Roc Nation. Throughout the proceedings, the rapper and her high-powered attorney, Alex Spiro, have vehemently denied the allegations, with Spiro previously characterizing the litigation as a “money grab.”
As the case moves toward trial, both legal teams are expected to submit correspondence to the court outlining the anticipated duration of the proceedings before a formal trial date is established. Representatives for the rapper have not yet provided further comment on the judge’s latest ruling.
