Lizzo has secured a total legal victory after a federal judge dismissed the remaining harassment and discrimination lawsuit filed against her touring company by former wardrobe designer Asha Daniels.
The case, which originally included Lizzo herself as a defendant before she was dismissed in 2024, concluded on Tuesday (Sept. 1) when Judge Fernando Aenlle-Rocha granted summary judgment in favor of Big Grrrl Touring. In his ruling, the judge determined that Daniels failed to provide sufficient evidence that the company violated labor laws, noting that the incidents cited—including claims of a sexually charged work environment and racial bias—did not meet the legal threshold for a hostile workplace.
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Regarding the allegations of inappropriate conduct, Judge Aenlle-Rocha wrote, “This alleged conduct and these alleged incidents, while inappropriate and unprofessional, fall within the scope of what the Supreme Court has held to be… part of the ordinary tribulations of the workplace.” The judge also addressed claims of racial bias, stating there was “no evidence” to suggest that the wardrobe manager referred to in the suit had used racial slurs.
Lizzo’s attorney, Melissa Y. Glass, hailed the ruling as a “total victory” against what she described as a “ludicrous” legal action, adding, “There was never any basis for Ms. Daniels to sue Lizzo, her touring company, her tour manager or her wardrobe manager.”
Conversely, Ron Zambrano, lead counsel for Daniels, expressed disappointment in the decision, arguing that the court “improperly weighed evidence” that should have been left for a jury to decide. He noted that they are currently considering next steps in the matter.
The dismissal marks the end of a high-profile legal saga that began in 2023, when Daniels filed suit shortly after three of Lizzo’s former backup dancers brought similar allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination against the star. With this final ruling, the claims against the touring company have been cleared entirely.