In brief
A federal judge has dismissed harassment claims against Lizzo, identifying her touring company as the employer, although the case against Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc persists. Wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels alleged racial and sexual harassment but is now blocked from suing Lizzo as an individual. The singer continues to face scrutiny amid similar accusations from former employees.
Lizzo has received a significant legal victory as a Los Angeles federal judge dropped harassment claims against her personally in an ongoing case involving a stylist, Asha Daniels. Daniels' allegations included racial and sexual harassment while employed on tour with the Grammy-winning artist in 2023, as well as claims of unpaid overtime. The judge ruled that Lizzo's touring and payroll companies, rather than the artist herself, should bear responsibility.U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha dismissed all seven claims against Lizzo and her tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta. However, the judge allowed Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc to remain in the case, highlighting that many accusations stemmed from Daniels’ employment in Europe, where American labor laws do not apply.Daniels has claimed that Lizzo oversaw a "sexually charged" and "unsafe" workplace atmosphere. In her allegations, she pointed to "racist and fatphobic" comments made by the wardrobe manager. Lizzo's spokesperson dismissed the claims as a "blatant publicity stunt," while her legal team characterized Daniels as a "disgruntled" former employee whose accusations lack merit.Known for her messages of body positivity, Lizzo found herself at the center of controversy not only through Daniels but also faced similar allegations from three former tour dancers, who filed a lawsuit in August of the previous year. The dancers accused Lizzo of sexual harassment and making fat-shaming remarks from 2021 to 2023. Lizzo has firmly denied these allegations, asserting they are exaggerated accounts from former staff whose conduct was deemed inappropriate during the tour.Despite the tumultuous legal situations, Lizzo took to social media in April to reassure her followers that she remains dedicated to her music career. Following her expression of frustration with public scrutiny, she clarified, “When I say ‘I quit,’ I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention.” The artist has also filed requests for the court to dismiss the dancers' lawsuit, with the dancers seeking a jury trial.As Lizzo strives to navigate the controversy and maintain her artistic identity, the outcomes of the ongoing legal battles continue to unfold.
