In a significant legal turn, Lizzo has secured a key win against allegations of harassment in a case brought forth by former wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels. On Monday, a Los Angeles federal judge ruled that Daniels could not pursue individual legal action against Lizzo, as the court identified Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc. along with its payroll companies as the rightful employers during her time on the 2023 tour. However, the case remains active against Lizzo's touring company, which is still under scrutiny.
US District Judge Fernando L Aenlle-Rocha dismissed all seven accusations against the singer and her tour manager, ruling that many claims could not stand due to the employment laws applicable to the European venues where Daniels worked. The wardrobe assistant alleged that Lizzo promoted an “unsafe, sexually charged workplace culture,” claims that the singer vehemently denies.
In response to Daniels’ accusations, a representative from Lizzo's camp labeled the lawsuit as an “absurd publicity stunt.” Lizzo's legal team is dismissing Daniels' accusations as those of a “disgruntled” former employee, arguing they are “meritless and salacious.”
Lizzo, known widely for her chart-topping hits like "Truth Hurts" and her advocacy of body positivity, faced multiple similar accusations last year when three of her former dancers took legal action alleging sexual harassment and fat-shaming during the 2021 and 2023 tours.
At the time, Lizzo refuted those claims, asserting that the negative narratives stemmed from ex-employees who had behaved unprofessionally on tour. Despite the tension surrounding these allegations, the artist reaffirmed her commitment to her music career this past April, assuring fans she wouldn't be stepping away from the spotlight anytime soon. Following a momentary expression of frustration, she clarified her stance on remaining vibrant in the face of negativity, stating, “When I say 'I quit', I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention.”
As the situation unfolds, Lizzo and Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc. seek to have the dancers' claims dismissed while the case against the company continues to develop, keeping the artist's legal challenges at the forefront of public discussions.
