Lizzo’s legal challenges have taken a significant turn following a ruling on Monday from a federal judge in Los Angeles. The court determined that stylist Asha Daniels could not pursue her harassment claims against Lizzo as an individual, instead identifying the singer's touring and payroll companies as the actual employers. As a result, Lizzo’s company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc, continues to be a defendant in the ongoing case, which centers on allegations made by Daniels regarding a hostile work environment while on tour in 2023.
U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha dismissed a total of seven claims against Lizzo and also dismissed personal claims against her tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta. A significant factor in this decision was the fact that the alleged incidents took place during Daniels’ employment in Europe, where U.S. employment laws do not impose jurisdiction.
Daniels, the wardrobe assistant, has accused Lizzo of fostering a "sexually charged" and unsafe work environment and alleged that the singer's wardrobe manager made "racist and fatphobic" remarks. In response, a spokesperson for Lizzo has described the allegations as a “ridiculous publicity stunt,” while her legal team characterized Daniels as a disgruntled ex-employee whose claims lack merit.
The incident marks a continuation of concerns surrounding Lizzo, particularly following similar allegations made by three former dancers who also accused her of sexual harassment and fat-shaming. Lizzo has firmly denied these allegations, attributing them to disgruntled former employees who were allegedly made aware of their inappropriate behavior during their time on tour.
Despite the controversies, Lizzo—whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson—assured her fans in April that she would remain in the public eye. She previously expressed frustration over online negativity but later clarified her intention to step away from focusing on "negative energy," not her music career. As the legal landscape evolves, Lizzo’s company continues to navigate the accusations against it while the singer maintains her commitment to her artistry.
U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha dismissed a total of seven claims against Lizzo and also dismissed personal claims against her tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta. A significant factor in this decision was the fact that the alleged incidents took place during Daniels’ employment in Europe, where U.S. employment laws do not impose jurisdiction.
Daniels, the wardrobe assistant, has accused Lizzo of fostering a "sexually charged" and unsafe work environment and alleged that the singer's wardrobe manager made "racist and fatphobic" remarks. In response, a spokesperson for Lizzo has described the allegations as a “ridiculous publicity stunt,” while her legal team characterized Daniels as a disgruntled ex-employee whose claims lack merit.
The incident marks a continuation of concerns surrounding Lizzo, particularly following similar allegations made by three former dancers who also accused her of sexual harassment and fat-shaming. Lizzo has firmly denied these allegations, attributing them to disgruntled former employees who were allegedly made aware of their inappropriate behavior during their time on tour.
Despite the controversies, Lizzo—whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson—assured her fans in April that she would remain in the public eye. She previously expressed frustration over online negativity but later clarified her intention to step away from focusing on "negative energy," not her music career. As the legal landscape evolves, Lizzo’s company continues to navigate the accusations against it while the singer maintains her commitment to her artistry.
