The harassment case against Lizzo has taken a significant turn, with a judge ruling that claims against the singer personally cannot proceed. However, her tour company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc, remains a defendant. The case highlights ongoing allegations of a toxic work environment and parallels with previous lawsuits from former dancers.
Lizzo's Harassment Lawsuit Faces Key Ruling, Claims Remain Against Company
Lizzo's Harassment Lawsuit Faces Key Ruling, Claims Remain Against Company
A federal judge dismisses individual claims against Lizzo while the ongoing case against her touring company continues, echoing past allegations.
In a significant development in Lizzo’s ongoing legal battles, a federal judge in Los Angeles has dismissed the harassment claims against the Grammy-winning singer, ruling that wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels cannot sue her as an individual. The judge deemed that Lizzo's touring and payroll companies were her employers, allowing the lawsuit against Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc to proceed.
The case marks a turning point in Lizzo’s turbulent year, as Daniels alleged that she was subjected to racial and sexual harassment by members of Lizzo's management team during the 2023 tour, alongside unpaid overtime claims. Judge Fernando L Aenlle-Rocha eliminated all seven causes of action against Lizzo and her tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta, following Daniels' employment in Europe, which falls outside the jurisdiction of U.S. labor laws.
Daniels contends that Lizzo fostered an "unsafe, sexually charged workplace culture," claims that the singer vehemently denies. A spokesperson for Lizzo denounced the allegations as a "publicity stunt," while her legal team characterized Daniels as a "disgruntled" former employee making "meritless and salacious" accusations.
Notably, this case echoes earlier allegations against Lizzo from three former tour dancers who filed a lawsuit in August 2022, accusing the star of sexual harassment and fat-shaming during incidents that occurred in 2021 and 2022. Lizzo has maintained her innocence, asserting that these "sensationalized stories" arise from former staff who were reprimanded for inappropriate conduct on tour.
Despite the controversies, Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, reassured fans earlier this year of her commitment to her career, stating: "I quit giving any negative energy attention," clarifying that her focus remains on her music rather than online hostility.
The unfolding legal matters may set the stage for future scrutiny as Lizzo aims to reclaim her narrative amid a flurry of allegations and public discourse surrounding her character.
