Lizzo handed first legal victory against ex-employees who accused her of bullying and harassment
A judge dismissed several claims made by fashion designer Asha Daniels
Lizzo has been granted a partial motion to dismiss several claims made against her by an ex-employee who sued her for alleged bullying, sexual harassment and 20-hour workdays.
Fashion designer Asha Daniels brought a lawsuit against Lizzo, her former boss, in September 2023.
However, several of the claims were based on work Daniels did for Lizzo while on tour in Europe, where US labor laws do not apply.
“These allegations do not establish plausibly that any portion of plaintiff’s claim arose from work performed in the United States or qualifying territories,” wrote Judge Fernando Aenlle-Rocha in a motion seen by The Independent.
The Independent has approached Lizzo - real name Melissa Jefferson - for comment.
In December last year, Lizzo’s lawyers filed a motion that sought to prevent Daniels’s lawsuit from ever coming to court.
They argued that the lawsuit is without merit, describing Daniels as a “disgruntled” ex-employee who “refused to comply with instructions… and, eventually, just played hooky and refused to show up for work”.
Daniels previously said she was dismissed the same day she had taken a break from work due to developing an allergic reaction. She also claimed that she was told she was dismissed because she had previously voiced complaints about alleged harassment.
Three former dancers of Lizzo’s also brought a separate lawsuit against the star over claims of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. This lawsuit alleged that Lizzo pressured one of the dancers to touch a nude performer at a nightclub and have others engage in sexually explicit performances.
The allegations flew in the face of Lizzo’s public persona. As a performer, she is known for promoting body positivity, women’s rights, LGBT+ rights, and anti-bullying. Throughout her career, she has crafted a globally successful brand of body positivity and self-love, backed up by a discography of empowerment anthems.
When the first lawsuit was filed in August 2023, the Grammy-winning artist eventually addressed the allegations, writing on Instagram: “My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticised. Usually, I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.”
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Lizzo said that while she is “not here to be looked at as a victim”, she knows she is “not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days”.
“I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time,” she concluded.