Lizzo’s lawyers have filed a motion to prevent a harassment and discrimination lawsuit against her from going to court, according to a new report.
Fashion stylist Asha Daniels, who created stage outfits for the About Damn Time star, accused Lizzo and other members of her touring team of illegal retaliatory termination, racial and sexual harassment, and a hostile work environment earlier this year.
She previously told NBC News: “I was witnessing myself, the dancers and the background vocalists and my local team in every city, be harassed and bullied regularly.”
Ms Daniels also alleged that she was forced to work 20 hours a day, seven days a week while on tour with the star – something the singer and her team have vehemently denied, alleging the stylist had “never actually met or even spoke with Lizzo”.
A lawyer representing Lizzo reportedly filed a motion to dismiss the “meritless and salacious” complaint in the Los Angeles Superior Court last Friday, arguing that it is “defective” as the allegations have no connection to California, where it was filed, according to Music News.
According to the filing, Ms Daniels lives in New York and worked with Lizzo on tour in Europe.
Lizzo’s legal counsel are also claiming that the former “disgruntled” employee “failed to perform the work that she was assigned” before she “refused to show up for work”.
Responding to the Grammy winner’s attempt to dismiss the suit, the stylist's lawyer Ron Zambrando said: “This motion was expected and is yet another Hail Mary by Lizzo’s team to try to shift blame to the victims, as she has done to the three other plaintiffs who have sued her for similar allegations of harassment, disability discrimination and retaliatory termination.
“Lizzo and her lawyers can continue trying to rationalise her illegal and wretched conduct, but we remain committed to seeking justice for our clients and look forward to our day in court where Lizzo can explain her behaviour in a public forum.”
The Standard has contacted Lizzo’s representative for comment.
Three of Lizzo's former dancers have also accused the singer of sexual harassment and the creation of a hostile work environment in August.
The lawsuit, filed against Lizzo and her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring (BGBT), claimed the trio were subject to sexual, religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault and false imprisonment, among other allegations.
Responding to the original claims in early August, Lizzo said the accusations were “too outrageous to not be addressed”.
“I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time,” she wrote online.
The Truth Hurts singer is known for her advocacy of body-positivity and inclusivity in her music, with her plus-sized performers hired through her reality show, Watch Out For The Big Grrrls.
Other members of Lizzo’s dance groups The Big Grrrls and The Big Boiiis later praised her for “shattering limitations” and “breaking barriers”.
In an open letter shared on social media, the groups thanked Lizzo for creating “a platform where we have been able to parallel our passion with a purpose”.
