In brief
In a significant ruling, a judge found no grounds for Asha Daniels to sue Lizzo personally in a case alleging workplace harassment while on tour.
The article text:In a critical development in the ongoing harassment case against Lizzo, a Los Angeles federal judge has ruled that the singer can no longer be sued as an individual by her former wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels. The ruling establishes that Lizzo’s touring and payroll companies, rather than Lizzo herself, are the actual employers in question. Consequently, all seven claims against Lizzo and her tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta, have been dismissed. However, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc, Lizzo’s company, remains a defendant in the case.US District Judge Fernando L Aenlle-Rocha issued the ruling on Monday, citing that Daniels, who worked for Lizzo during the 2023 tour in Europe, is not protected under American employment law during that time. The lawsuit alleges that Daniels experienced a hostile work environment characterized by racial and sexual harassment and asserts claims of unpaid overtime.Daniels accused Lizzo of fostering a "sexually charged" and unsafe workplace culture, allegations which Lizzo vehemently denies. A spokesperson for the singer referred to the lawsuit as an "absurd publicity stunt," while Lizzo's legal team characterized Daniels as a "disgruntled" former employee with "meritless and salacious" claims.Despite Lizzo's successful dismissal of Daniels' individual claims, this legal issue is not isolated. The stylist's allegations echo previous claims made by three of Lizzo's former dancers, who filed a lawsuit last August alleging sexual harassment and fat-shaming over a series of incidents. Lizzo has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that they stem from individuals who did not act appropriately during their time on tour.In April, Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, addressed fans, insisting she would remain active in the music industry despite the relentless criticism she faces online about her appearance and character. After a brief moment of frustration when she said she was "quitting," Lizzo clarified she meant distancing herself from negativity, not her music career.As this legal battle unfolds, it highlights not only the singer's complex relationship with her former employees but also the scrutiny surrounding her body positivity message amidst allegations of workplace misconduct. Lizzo’s company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc, faces further challenges as the case progresses, maintaining the spotlight on the singer involved in multiple legal disputes.
