In a notable development in her ongoing legal battle, Lizzo has successfully had harassment claims against her individually dismissed by a Los Angeles federal judge. The singer, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, was facing accusations from wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels, who alleged that she experienced racial and sexual harassment while working on Lizzo's tour in 2023. The judge ruled that Lizzo's tour and payroll companies were the actual employers, thereby eliminating her personal liability in the case.
Despite this victory, Lizzo's touring company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc, remains a defendant in the ongoing lawsuit. Judge Fernando L Aenlle-Rocha dismissed all seven claims filed against Lizzo and her tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta, citing that Daniels worked in Europe, where U.S. employment laws do not apply.
Daniels has accused the singer of fostering a "hostile, sexually charged workplace culture," making derogatory comments toward Black women in the troupe, and has described her experiences as damaging. Lizzo's spokesperson has labeled these claims as “absurd publicity stunts,” while her legal team contends that Daniels is simply a "disgruntled" ex-employee with exaggerated allegations.
These accusations are not isolated, as they resonate with prior claims made by three former dancers who filed a lawsuit against Lizzo in August of last year, alleging fat-shaming and sexual harassment incidents from 2021 and 2023. In response to these allegations, Lizzo has repeatedly denied all claims, stating that they stem from former employees who had been informed of their unprofessional conduct while on tour.
Assuring her supporters that she is not stepping back from her career, Lizzo previously stated, "When I say 'I quit', I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention," clarifying her intentions amidst the controversy. As the legal proceedings continue, Lizzo's Big Grrrl Big Touring remains under scrutiny while she strives to maintain her commitment to body positivity and artistic integrity.
