A federal judge has ruled that Lizzo is no longer personally liable in the harassment lawsuit filed against her last year. However, her touring company, Big Grrrl Touring Inc., may still face legal action.
The lawsuit was initiated by Asha Daniels, a former employee on Lizzo’s European tour in 2023. U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha dismissed all seven claims against Lizzo, barring Daniels from re-filing them. Lizzo’s tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta, was also cleared of any liability.
“We are very pleased that the court dismissed every claim against Lizzo and the overtime wages claim against all of our clients, including Big Grrrl Touring, in this baseless lawsuit,” said Lizzo’s attorney, Martin D. Singer, in a statement to Rolling Stone.
He added that Lizzo “should never have been sued” and revealed plans to evaluate a countersuit against Daniels and her legal team for malicious prosecution. Singer expressed confidence that Big Grrrl Touring would also prevail.
Daniels originally filed the lawsuit in September 2023, alleging a toxic work environment rife with racism, fatphobia, sexual harassment, and disability discrimination. Among her claims, she accused a wardrobe manager of injuring her by rolling a clothing rack over her foot and pushing her. Lizzo’s legal team dismissed the allegations, describing Daniels as a disgruntled employee seeking retribution for perceived grievances spanning 2021 to 2023.
In her 50-page complaint, Daniels stated she first worked with Lizzo’s team in September 2022, designing costumes for dancers. By February 2024, she was hired to manage and maintain dancers’ outfits during the tour.
She claimed to have witnessed repeated mistreatment of background dancers and alleged that tour manager Gugliotta was aware of these issues but failed to address them. Daniels argued the hostile work environment persisted unchecked.
Lizzo and Big Grrrl Touring have requested the dismissal of all allegations made by Daniels and other dancers involved in the suit. Meanwhile, the plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial to pursue their claims.
The court’s decision marks a significant win for Lizzo, but the ongoing legal battle involving her company keeps the case far from over. As the lawsuit progresses, it continues to draw public attention to workplace conduct in the entertainment industry.
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