A federal judge has officially dismissed the last of the claims in a prominent lawsuit involving Lizzo’s production company. The case, initiated by Asha Daniels, a former wardrobe stylist, was ruled by U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha, who stated that the lawsuit could not proceed.
This ruling comes nearly two years after Lizzo was removed as a defendant from the case, which Daniels filed in September 2023. In her lawsuit, Daniels accused Lizzo and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., of fostering a toxic workplace characterized by bullying, as well as sexual and racial harassment.
Lizzo has vehemently denied all allegations, describing both this lawsuit and a separate one brought by three backup dancers in August 2023 as “false” and “outrageous.” At the time of the initial filing, her legal team referred to Daniels as a “disgruntled” employee with “meritless and salacious” claims.
In his decision, Judge Aenlle-Rocha noted that Daniels did not adequately demonstrate any actions by company personnel that would imply a general hostility towards women or unfair treatment between genders in the workplace. He remarked that while the behaviors described were indeed inappropriate and unprofessional, they fell under what the Supreme Court has defined as the “ordinary tribulations of the workplace,” thus not qualifying for protection under Title VII.
Additionally, Daniels alleged disability discrimination, pointing to an incident involving a wardrobe manager who reportedly rolled a heavy clothing rack over her foot. However, while acknowledging the pain caused by these injuries, the judge determined that they did not fulfill the criteria set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In response to the ruling, Daniels’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, expressed his disappointment. He stated, “While we respect the court and the judicial process, we believe the decision improperly weighed evidence that should have been evaluated by a jury. We disagree that an employee twisting her ankle and limping while trying to work does not meet the legal standard of a disability under the ADA. These are crucial issues as they often rely on how a jury interprets the complete workplace environment and disputed facts. We respectfully disagree with the Court’s approach and are considering our next steps.”
This lawsuit followed a separate case filed by three former backup dancers who accused Lizzo of creating a hostile work environment through various forms of harassment, including sexual, racial, and religious misconduct. Allegations also included claims that Lizzo, known for her advocacy of body positivity, criticized a dancer for gaining weight, pressured another to engage with a nude performer in Amsterdam, and subjected the dancers to a grueling 12-hour audition following unfounded accusations of drinking on the job.
A judge dismissed the fat-shaming allegation in December 2025. In a social media post celebrating this outcome, Lizzo stated her commitment to defending herself, insisting she would not settle and would fight “every single claim until the truth comes out.” That case is still ongoing.
In a June appearance on the Today show, Lizzo remarked, “I could have settled, but I’m a woman who is not afraid of the truth coming out, so I’m continuing to fight. I’m really excited for all of the claims to be dropped and for us to just move forward.”
