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 court documents obtained by XXL, U.S. District Judge Gregory Woods denied a motion for summary judgment filed by the artist’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 Megan Thee Stallion subjected Garcia to a hostile work environment, including claims of fat-shaming and failure to adhere to labor codes regarding compensation. Among the more specific allegations, Garcia claimed that during a 2022 trip to Ibiza, Spain, he was placed in a compromising position while the rapper was with another individual, and was subsequently instructed not to discuss the incident.
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 litigation also names several corporate entities associated with the rapper, including Megan Thee Stallion Entertainment, Inc., Hot Girl Touring, LLC, and Roc Nation. Throughout the proceedings, the artist and her attorney, Alex Spiro, have consistently denied the allegations, with Spiro characterizing the lawsuit as a “money grab.”
As the case moves toward trial, both legal teams are expected to submit filings to the court regarding the anticipated duration of the proceedings before a trial date is officially set.