Lizzo’s Tour Company Wins Partial Dismissal in Harassment Lawsuit

Several claims in a harassment lawsuit filed against Lizzo’s Big Grrrl Big Tour company have been dismissed by a California court. The lawsuit, initiated by former stylist Asha Daniels in September 2023, accused members of Lizzo’s management team of racial and sexual harassment.

Daniels’ allegations included claims of fatphobic comments, a hostile work environment, and derogatory remarks directed at Black women on the tour, such as being called “dumb,” “useless,” and “fat.”

Despite these accusations, Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha ruled on Monday, Dec. 2, that some claims could not proceed due to jurisdictional limitations.

The judge determined that U.S. labor laws did not apply to work performed overseas, noting Daniels’ employment primarily occurred while the tour was in Europe.

“These allegations do not establish plausibly that any portion of plaintiff’s claim arose from work performed in the United States or qualifying territories,” Judge Aenlle-Rocha stated. Additionally, the court found insufficient evidence to support Daniels’ claims regarding unpaid overtime.

This ruling marks the latest development in the legal battle between Daniels and Lizzo’s team. Last December, Lizzo’s lawyer objected to the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, describing it as a “meritless and salacious action” and alleging Daniels worked for less than three weeks and failed to follow instructions from supervisors.

Daniels’ case is one of several controversies that have placed the Grammy-winning artist under public scrutiny. The backlash prompted Lizzo, 36, to address the situation on social media, where she expressed frustration and considered leaving the music industry.

“Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations, but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed,” Lizzo wrote in a statement, accusing former employees of sensationalizing their claims after being reprimanded for unprofessional behavior on tour.

The artist’s team continues to deny the allegations as the case unfolds.