Judge Dismisses Stylist’s Harassment Lawsuit Against Lizzo’s Touring Company

A federal judge has dismissed the remaining harassment and discrimination claims brought by wardrobe stylist Asha Daniels against Lizzo’s touring company, ending the nearly three-year lawsuit stemming from the singer’s 2023 European tour.

U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha granted summary judgment Tuesday in favor of Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., finding that Daniels had not presented enough evidence for her remaining claims to proceed to trial. Lizzo was dismissed from the lawsuit in December 2024, leaving her touring company as the remaining defendant.

Daniels filed the lawsuit in September 2023 after working on the European leg of Lizzo’s Special Tour. She alleged that she was subjected to sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination, and a hostile work environment while working in the tour’s wardrobe department.

Among her allegations, Daniels claimed a wardrobe manager rolled a heavy clothing rack over her foot and later shoved her, leaving her injured and affecting her ability to work. She also described sexually explicit comments and images in the workplace and alleged that members of the wardrobe team made racist and fat-phobic remarks.

Aenlle-Rocha found that the evidence did not support Daniels’ claims under Title VII, the federal law that prohibits employment discrimination based on characteristics including race and sex. While some of the alleged conduct was inappropriate and unprofessional, the judge concluded that Daniels had not shown workplace hostility or unequal treatment severe enough to support her remaining claims.

Because the ruling came at the summary judgment stage, the question before the court was whether the evidence could allow a reasonable jury to find in Daniels’ favor. A judge can resolve a civil claim before trial when the evidence does not create a genuine dispute over facts that could change the legal outcome.

The court also rejected Daniels’ disability discrimination claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Aenlle-Rocha acknowledged the pain Daniels said she experienced after injuring her foot and ankle but found that the injuries did not meet the legal definition of a disability under the ADA.

Daniels’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, disputed the ruling, arguing that the court weighed evidence that should have been considered by a jury. He also said the judge examined allegations involving sexually explicit images and workplace comments separately rather than considering their cumulative effect.

Zambrano said Daniels’ legal team is considering its next steps, which could include an appeal.

Daniels filed her case shortly after three former Lizzo dancers brought a separate lawsuit accusing the singer and members of her team of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Lizzo has denied those allegations, and that case remains pending.

Lizzo, whose legal team denied Daniels’ allegations throughout the litigation, welcomed Tuesday’s dismissal. Her attorneys characterized the ruling as a victory for the touring company.

Tuesday’s decision ends Daniels’ claims in federal district court unless she challenges the ruling on appeal.