A federal court in Los Angeles has dismissed a lawsuit accusing the touring company of singer-rapper Lizzo of workplace harassment and discrimination. The decision by U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha ends the legal action brought by former wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.
Daniels had claimed she faced sexual and racial harassment as well as disability discrimination while working on costumes for dancers during Lizzo's Special Tour in 2023. She also alleged retaliation and a generally hostile atmosphere in the wardrobe department.
Specific incidents described in the complaint included a wardrobe manager rolling a clothing rack over Daniels' foot and later shoving her, resulting in injuries. The suit further mentioned the presence of sexually explicit comments and images, along with remarks that were racist and critical of body size.
Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, was removed as an individual defendant from the case two years ago. This left Big Grrrl Touring as the only remaining defendant in the matter filed in September 2023.
In his ruling, the judge determined that the plaintiff failed to identify any actions demonstrating broad hostility toward women or different treatment of male and female employees.
Lizzo posted on Instagram on Tuesday that she was relieved by the dismissal of all claims against her and the company. She pointed out that the wardrobe assistant had worked on the tour for less than three weeks and referenced what she described as absurd accusations, such as one involving a broken acrylic nail.
This report is based on coverage by ABC7 Los Angeles: https://abc7.com/post/lizzo-discrimination-harassment-lawsuit-tossed-federal-judge-los-angeles/19785499/