US pop star Lizzo expressed relief after a US district judge dismissed the remaining claims in a high-profile lawsuit brought by her former wardrobe assistant against her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha filed the ruling on Tuesday, bringing a major legal victory to the Grammy-winning artist.
The Bottom Line
- The Ruling: US District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha dismissed the remaining claims against Big Grrrl Big Touring on Tuesday, according to court documents cited by the BBC.
- The Allegations: Former wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels had alleged degradation, forced physical labor, denial of medical care, sexual harassment, and racial harassment while working for the company in 2023.
- The Response: Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, stated on Instagram that she will continue to fight every claim made against her and her businesses.
Decoding the District Court Ruling
The legal saga took a definitive turn when District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha dismantled the remaining arguments brought forward by the plaintiff. Back in 2024, the court previously ruled that Asha Daniels could not sue the Grammy winner as an individual, leaving Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc as the sole remaining corporate defendant.
Here is the kicker. Judge Aenlle-Rocha noted that while certain incidents were “inappropriate and unprofessional,” they fell “within the scope of what the Supreme Court has held to be outside the protection” of ordinary workplace tribulations.
The court also addressed a specific incident involving a heavy clothes rack running over the stylist’s foot. The ruling explicitly stated that while the court “does not seek to minimise or disregard the pain” felt, the resulting injuries “do not qualify as disabilities” under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Artist Response and Broader Legal Context
Following the decision, Lizzo took to Instagram to share her perspective on the outcome. The “About Damn Time” singer thanked her legal team and sent love to her supporters.
“The truth matters to me more than anything and told y’all I will not settle and will continue to fight every vicious claim that has been made against me and my businesses,” Lizzo wrote online, emphasizing her refusal to settle the matter out of court.
| Legal Milestone | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Lawsuit Filed | September 2023 | Wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels files suit against Big Grrrl Big Touring and Lizzo individually. |
| Individual Dismissal | 2024 | Judge Aenlle-Rocha rules that Lizzo cannot be sued as an individual defendant. |
| Fat-Shaming Claims Dismissed | 2025 | A separate lawsuit filed by former tour dancers sees specific fat-shaming allegations dismissed by a judge. |
| Final Claims Dismissed | Tuesday | District judge dismisses the remaining claims against Big Grrrl Big Touring. |
Daniels’ September 2023 filing followed a separate suit initiated by three of Lizzo’s former tour dancers, which included allegations of sexual harassment. Lizzo’s legal team has consistently denied those claims, and notable elements of that separate litigation—including allegations of fat-shaming—were previously dismissed by a judge in 2025.
As the dust settles on this latest court document, Lizzo stated she intends to continue using her platform to “spread positivity and light to the world.” Representatives for both Lizzo and Daniels have been contacted for further comment as the legal landscape continues to evolve.
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