Lizzo harassment case update: Judge dismisses several allegations from her stylist Asha Daniels

A California judge has dismissed several allegations in a lawsuit filed by Asha Daniels, a former stylist on Lizzo’s 2023 tour, against the musician and her company, Big Grrrl Big Touring (BGBT), as per Page Six.

The ruling, issued by Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha on December 5, 2024, found that Lizzo herself could not be held personally liable for claims of harassment and discrimination, significantly narrowing the scope of the case.

The lawsuit had accused Lizzo and her staff of perpetuating sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination, and creating a toxic work environment.

---

Court rules Lizzo cannot be sued individually

The lawsuit, filed in September 2023, alleged sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination, and a hostile work environment. Daniels accused Lizzo, the tour manager Carlina Gugliotta, and the wardrobe manager Amanda Nomura of various violations under Title VII of Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

However, the court concluded that these laws apply only to employers, not individuals. Attorney Marty D. Singer, representing the musician, told Law360:

"We’re very pleased with the court’s decision. Lizzo should never have been named as a defendant."

He labeled the lawsuit a "publicity ploy" by Daniels' attorney Ronald L. Zambrano and expressed confidence that remaining claims against BGBT would also be dismissed. Zambrano responded that the case would continue against BGBT. He emphasized plans to depose the singer, stating:

"We look forward to questioning her under oath as the case proceeds."

Asha Daniels' claims include experiencing racist and fatph*bic comments from Nomura while working on the tour. She also cited an incident where her foot was injured by a heavy clothing rack, alleging mistreatment after the injury. Additionally, Daniels described being pressured to attend social gatherings where n*dity and s*xuality were prominent themes.

She accused BGBT of fostering an environment where inappropriate images, such as explicit photos, were shared among the crew. These allegations came shortly after three former dancers — Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez — filed a separate lawsuit in August 2023, claiming s*xual harassment and a hostile work environment.

Daniels’ lawsuit argued that Lizzo and Gugliotta should be held accountable as agents of her employer. However, Judge Aenlle-Rocha cited legal precedents indicating that Title VII does not impose individual liability. He referred to the Ninth Circuit Appeals Court’s interpretation of the ADA, which aligns with Title VII’s definition of "employer."

The judge also dismissed claims related to incidents that allegedly occurred during the European leg of her tour, stating that US labor laws do not apply to overseas conduct.

Lizzo's legal battles began with the dancers’ lawsuit, which accused her of creating a toxic work environment. The singer has denied all allegations, calling the claims "outrageous" and "sensationalized." In October 2023, her legal team filed a motion to dismiss that case under California's anti-SLAPP statute, designed to protect free speech from meritless lawsuits.

While parts of the dancers’ claims were dismissed, including accusations of fat-shaming, others are moving toward trial. Judge Mark H. Epstein ruled that some claims warranted further examination. Lizzo has continued to defend her reputation. An insider told The New York Post:

"She’s fighting these false allegations because they cannot be allowed to stand."

In October 2023, she clarified in an interview with Fortune that she had not taken a "gap year," emphasizing ongoing work commitments.