Lizzo speaks out after judge dismisses remaining claims in lawsuit against her production company
Quick Look
- US district judge Fernando L Aenlle-Rocha dismissed the remaining claims in a lawsuit filed by Lizzo's former wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels, who alleged degradation, forced labor, denial of medical care, and racial and sexual harassment while working for Big Grrrl Big Touring in 2023.
- Lizzo said she was 'relieved' by the ruling and will continue to fight the claims.
- Daniels' lawyer said they are disappointed and considering next steps.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
In 2024, judge Aenlle-Rocha ruled that Daniels could not sue Lizzo as an individual, but Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc remained a defendant in the lawsuit alleging workplace misconduct.
US pop star Lizzo has spoken out after the remaining claims in a lawsuit against her production company were thrown out by a US district judge.
The singer's former wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels alleged she had been subjected to "degradation, forced physical labor, denial of medical care, sexual harassment, and racial harassment" while briefly working for Big Grrrl Big Touring in 2023.
District judge Fernando L Aenlle-Rocha filed a ruling to dismiss the claims by the stylist on Tuesday, according to court documents.
In an Instagram post, Lizzo said she was "relieved" at the outcome and will "continue to fight" every claim made against her and her company.
In 2024, judge Aenlle-Rocha ruled that Daniels could not sue the Grammy winner as an individual, but Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc remained a defendant.
In his ruling this week, he said the former wardrobe assistant did not identify any conduct by company employees that would demonstrate "general hostility to women in the workplace" or "disparate treatment of men and women".
He also wrote that this alleged conduct and these alleged incidents, "while inappropriate and unprofessional", fell "within the scope of what the Supreme Court has held to be outside the protection" of the "ordinary tribulations of the workplace".
Aenlle-Rocha also responded to an incident in which the stylist claims her foot was run over by a heavy clothes rack.
He wrote that while the court "does not seek to minimise or disregard the pain" felt, the injuries "do not qualify as disabilities" under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In a statement, Daniels' lawyer Ron Zambrano said they are "disappointed" with the ruling.
"While we respect the court and the judicial process, we believe the decision improperly weighed evidence that should have been evaluated by a jury," he said.
He also noted that they disagree the stylist "twisting her ankle and limping while trying to work does not meet the legal standard of a disability under the ADA".
"These are important issues because these claims often depend on how a jury evaluates the full workplace environment, the surrounding context, and disputed facts," he said.
He added that they "respectfully disagree" with the court's approach and are "considering appropriate next steps".
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Daniels' legal team will consider appropriate next steps, possibly including an appeal
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific next steps will Daniels' legal team consider?
- Will there be an appeal of the district court's ruling?
- How might this ruling affect similar workplace harassment claims under the ADA?
