Entertainment
Federal judge dismisses harassment and discrimination lawsuit against Lizzo's touring company
A US district judge granted summary judgment to Big Grrrl Big Touring, finding a former wardrobe stylist's claims failed to meet federal legal standards.
The short version
- US District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha dismissed the remaining legal claims brought by former wardrobe stylist Asha Daniels against Lizzo's touring company.
- The ruling determined that the workplace allegations did not meet statutory standards for Title VII hostile environment violations or ADA disability discrimination.
- Daniels' legal counsel stated they disagree with the summary judgment and are evaluating next legal steps.
- A separate 2023 harassment lawsuit filed against Lizzo by three former backup dancers remains ongoing.
Key facts
- US District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha dismissed all remaining claims against Lizzo's production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc.[Billboard · The Guardian]
- The lawsuit, originally filed in September 2023 by wardrobe stylist Asha Daniels, alleged bullying, sexual harassment, racial bias, and disability discrimination during Lizzo's tour.[Billboard · The Guardian]
- Lizzo was personally dismissed as an individual defendant from Daniels' lawsuit in 2024 prior to the company's full dismissal.[Billboard · The Guardian]
- Judge Aenlle-Rocha ruled that the cited workplace conduct did not establish general hostility under Title VII and that Daniels' injuries did not qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.[Billboard · The Guardian]
- Attorney Ron Zambrano, representing Daniels, argued that the court improperly weighed evidence that should have gone before a jury and stated their team is weighing next actions.[Billboard · The Guardian]
- A separate August 2023 workplace harassment suit brought against Lizzo by three former backup dancers remains active and pending in court.[Billboard · The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Daniels will appeal the summary judgment decision to a higher court.[Billboard · The Guardian]
- The eventual outcome of the separate, ongoing lawsuit brought by Lizzo's former backup dancers.[Billboard · The Guardian]