Singer Lizzo is at the Center of a Scandal Over Harassment
Fashion designer Asha Daniels, who previously collaborated with Lizzo, has filed a lawsuit against the singer, accusing her and the Big Grrrl Big Touring project managers of workplace harassment, racial discrimination, sexual harassment, exploitation, and creating a culture of racism and bullying.
The Hollywood Reporter has reported on this.
"I listened as this dark-skinned woman on a huge stage talked about self-love, caring for others, empathy, and the need to be strong and stand up for others... And I witnessed how myself, the dancers, backup vocalists, and my local team were regularly harassed and ridiculed," Asha said in an interview with NBC News.
In addition, in the lawsuit, Daniels accuses wardrobe manager Amanda Nomura of stigmatizing dark-skinned women. The artists were regularly called "fat," "useless," and "stupid," and were also forced to change clothes in front of a predominantly white male camera crew.
Separately, Asha described her grueling work schedule. According to her, she had to work 7 days a week for 20 hours a day, from approximately 7:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the evening. Moreover, stylists often denied her even short breaks.
The lawsuit states that Asha Daniels was fired after she voiced complaints about Amanda Nomura's unacceptable behavior.
The plaintiff's lawyer, Ron Zambrano, emphasized that the lawsuit is filed against Melissa Vivian Jefferson, also known as Lizzo, personally, as she directly manages the project and is responsible for what happens there.
Lizzo's press secretary stated that the plaintiffs are simply trying to "smear" the singer's reputation, as the lawsuit was filed in the Higher Court of Los Angeles on the same day the singer was supposed to receive a humanitarian award for promoting inclusivity and social justice from the Black Music Action coalition.
It is worth noting that this is the second lawsuit against Lizzo in the last two months. In early August, three former touring dancers, Ariana Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, also filed a lawsuit against the singer, accusing her of creating a hostile work environment, including incidents of sexual harassment, body shaming, and discrimination.
In their lawsuit, the girls claimed that they were forced to endure sexually demeaning behavior and participate in "disturbing" sex shows between 2021 and 2023.