In brief
Lizzo has emerged partially victorious in a harassment lawsuit, but her tour company remains under fire.
In a significant legal turn, a California federal judge ruled that singer Lizzo, officially known as Melissa Viviane Jefferson, cannot be personally sued in a harassment case brought by former wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels. Daniels accused Lizzo's management team of creating a racially and sexually hostile work environment during the singer's 2023 tour, alleging unpaid overtime as well. Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha dismissed all seven claims against Lizzo herself and her tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta, asserting that Daniels was employed by Lizzo's touring company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., which will remain a defendant in the lawsuit. The judge's motion also pointed out that Daniels worked in Europe, where U.S. employment laws don't apply. As per Daniels, the work atmosphere was rife with "racist and fatphobic" comments, a claim Lizzo and her team have flatly denied, labeling the accusations as nothing more than an "absurd publicity stunt." Lizzo's legal team dismissed Daniels as a "disgruntled" former worker with unfounded and exaggerated claims.This lawsuit adds to a series of allegations Lizzo has faced over the last year, including similar claims from former dancers relating to harassment and body shaming during their time with her. Lizzo strongly denies all allegations, asserting that these stories are fabricated by individuals already warned about their behavior on tour.Despite the turmoil, Lizzo reassured fans earlier this year that she would not exit the music scene, saying, "When I say 'I quit', I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention." As the legal battles continue, Lizzo remains focused on her music career.
