Lizzo's Legal Victory: Harassment Claims Against Singer Dismissed

A federal judge has dismissed a harassment case against singer Lizzo, clearing her name while the legal battle continues for her touring company. Asha Daniels, a former wardrobe assistant, alleged a hostile work environment but the judge ruled Lizzo could not be sued as an individual. Similar allegations from former dancers remain unresolved.

Lizzo, the Grammy-winning artist known for her empowering messages and hits like "Truth Hurts" and "Juice," recently received a crucial win in court regarding allegations of racial and sexual harassment. A federal judge in Los Angeles ruled that Asha Daniels, a wardrobe assistant for Lizzo's Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., could not pursue her lawsuit against the singer as an individual. The ruling identified the touring and payroll companies as the proper defendants, thus allowing them to remain in the case.

Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha dismissed all seven causes of action against Lizzo and her tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta, while also partially dismissing several claims due to the nature of Daniels' employment during their tour in Europe where U.S. employment laws do not apply.

Daniels has accused Lizzo’s management team of creating an “unsafe, sexually charged workplace culture,” going so far as to claim the wardrobe manager made “racist and fatphobic” comments. Lizzo's representatives have labeled the claims an “absurd publicity stunt,” asserting that Daniels is a "disgruntled" former employee with "meritless and salacious" allegations.

This recent case reflects ongoing tensions as Lizzo has faced similar accusations in the past. In August 2022, three former dancers filed a lawsuit claiming sexual harassment and fat-shaming, with events alleged to have occurred both during and following the 2021 and 2023 tours. Lizzo has strongly denied these accusations, framing them as fabrications from individuals who have previously acknowledged inappropriate behavior on tour.

Beyond this legal scrutiny, Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, stated to her fans in April that she would not be leaving the limelight despite the ongoing controversies. Previously expressing dissatisfaction regarding the public response to her appearance and character, she clarified her intent by emphasizing her commitment to disengaging from negative energy rather than leaving music altogether. With these legal battles continuing, Lizzo's Big Grrrl Big Touring company still faces a jury trial concerning the dancers' allegations, keeping the spotlight on the singer and her response to claims of workplace misconduct.