Judge Dismisses Remaining Claims
A federal judge dismissed the remaining allegations in a case against Lizzo's touring company, Big Grrrl Big Touring. The plaintiff, Asha Daniels, a former wardrobe assistant who had a short stint with the firm in 2023, accused it of subjecting her to humiliation, compulsory labor, withheld medical treatment, sexual harassment, and race-based harassment.[S1]
Judge Aenlle-Rocha concluded that Daniels failed to point to any employee behavior indicating a broad bias against women or unequal treatment between genders. He further remarked that although the alleged actions were improper and unprofessional, they fell under the category that the Supreme Court has deemed beyond the reach of protection for ordinary workplace annoyances.[S1]
Disability Claim Rejected
The judge also considered an episode where Daniels said a heavy clothing rack rolled over her foot. He acknowledged the court does not intend to downplay or overlook the suffering, but determined that the injuries do not meet the definition of disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This part of the decision highlights the legal criteria for disability status.[S1]
Reactions and Next Steps
Ron Zambrano, representing Daniels, voiced dissatisfaction with the outcome, asserting that the ruling inappropriately weighed evidence that ought to have been left for a jury. He also contested the court's stance that a sprained ankle and limping while on duty do not satisfy the ADA's disability threshold. He mentioned that they are weighing their next moves.[S1]
After the decision, Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, expressed gratitude to her legal team via Instagram. She emphasized that truth is paramount to her, vowing not to settle and to keep fighting every baseless accusation against her and her enterprises. She also affirmed her commitment to using her platform to promote positivity and light.[S1]
Daniels' lawsuit, filed in September 2023, followed a separate suit by three of Lizzo's former tour dancers, which included sexual harassment claims. Lizzo's team denies those claims. BBC Newsbeat has contacted Lizzo's lawyers for comment.[S1]
