Attorneys representing musician Lizzo have submitted a request to block a potential harassment legal case from proceeding to trial.
In September, Asha Daniels, a fashion designer who designed stage costumes for Lizzo and toured with her, made allegations of an “unsafe and sexually charged” work environment. She told NBC News that she personally witnessed harassment and bullying towards herself, the dancers, the background vocalists, and the local team in every city.
Serious accusations were directed towards multiple individuals, one being a wardrobe manager who Daniels claimed imitated a stereotypical sassy Black woman and used offensive and intimidating language. Another manager was alleged to have sent sexually explicit messages in a group chat, and Daniels also claimed that team members openly discussed hiring sex workers, attending sex shows, and purchasing illegal drugs. Daniels’ attorney argued that Lizzo, as the boss, bears responsibility for these actions.
A representative for Lizzo dismissed the lawsuit as a fabricated and ridiculous attempt at gaining attention and claimed that Daniels had never personally encountered or communicated with Lizzo.
Lizzo’s legal team is currently attempting to have the lawsuit thrown out, claiming that it is not appropriate to file it in California since Daniels is a New York resident who was employed by a company based in Delaware. They also maintain that the lawsuit lacks validity, characterizing Daniels as a dissatisfied former employee who failed to follow instructions and ultimately skipped work.
According to Lizzo’s team, Daniels was fired for leaving her position on the day of a concert.
Earlier, Daniels stated that she was terminated on the day she took time off from work because of an allergic reaction. She alleged that she was informed her dismissal was due to her previous complaints about the harassment she experienced.
In regards to the recent motion, a representative for Daniels stated that Lizzo’s team is attempting to deflect responsibility onto the victims. Despite Lizzo and her legal team’s efforts to justify her unlawful and deplorable actions, we are determined to pursue justice for our clients. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to present our case in court, where Lizzo can publicly explain her behavior. A ruling has not yet been made on whether Daniels’ lawsuit will proceed.
An additional previous lawsuit against Lizzo has been filed by three backup dancers, who have accused her of pressuring one to touch a nude performer at a club and making others participate in a sexually explicit performance. The dancers also reported experiencing “excruciating” audition procedures and comments about their weight.
In October, Lizzo’s attorneys requested for the lawsuit to be dismissed. A verdict on the matter has not yet been reached.
According to Lizzo, these exaggerated reports are coming from former workers who have already acknowledged that they were informed about their inappropriate and unprofessional conduct while on tour.
Source: theguardian.com
