In court documents filed Tuesday, Sept. 1, U.S. District Judge Aenlle-Rocha rejected Daniels’ claims against Big Grrrls Touring, including allegations of gender and racial discrimination. The judge said Daniels had not identified conduct showing general hostility toward women or different treatment of men and women.
The court also dismissed Daniels’ racial bias claims, including her allegation that wardrobe manager Amanda Nomura used racial slurs. The judge said there was no evidence that Nomura had used such language.
Lizzo’s attorney, Melissa Y. Glass, called the ruling a “total victory” for the singer, her touring company and the other defendants. She said the legal team was considering further action to protect their clients’ rights.
Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, celebrated the ruling in an Instagram post Tuesday. She said the claims had been dismissed and described the lawsuit as “ridiculous,” adding that she had refused to settle and would continue fighting the allegations.
Daniels’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, said his client was disappointed with the decision. He argued that the court should have allowed a jury to consider the cumulative effect of alleged sexually charged comments and workplace incidents. He also disagreed with the dismissal of Daniels’ disability claim related to an ankle injury.
Daniels filed the lawsuit in September 2023, alleging that she experienced racism, bullying and fat-phobic comments while working on costumes during the European leg of Lizzo’s Special Tour. She also alleged that she was denied medical care and suffered anxiety and PTSD.
Lizzo’s legal team had previously described the lawsuit as meritless and sought its dismissal. A separate lawsuit filed against Lizzo by three former backup dancers remains pending. Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis and Noelle Rodriguez sued the singer in August 2023, alleging sexual harassment and assault.
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