Performer Lizzo is facing another lawsuit for “overseeing a hostile work environment.” The plaintiff is a stylist who claims she was subjected to a “culture of racism and bullying” while on tour with the artist. The lawsuit was filed on September 21st, 2023 with the Los Angeles Superior Court.
This new lawsuit alleges Lizzo, real name Melissa Jefferson, and supervisors of Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc. (BGBT) permitted a hostile work environment. There are allegations of sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination, retaliation and assault. This builds upon the allegations made by a trio of former dancers that were filed in August of this year.
Asha Daniels‘ – who designed pieces for the dancers on tour – allegations augment the sexual harassment claims from the dancers. She describes an “unsafe, sexually charged workplace culture” in which alleged misconduct was encouraged by Lizzo and wardrobe manager, Amanda Nomura.
“There was a group chat of over 30+ people from the BGBT team, which included Lizzo tour management and Plaintiff. In the group message, a backstage manager sent a photo graphically depicting male genitailia,” the lawsuit reads. When the tour got to Amsterdam, Daniels claims she saw Nomura and other supervisors “discussing hiring sex workers for lewd acts, attending sex shows and buying had drugs.” Daniels claims she was pressured to join.
These claims line up with allegations from the dancers’ description of an incident in Amsterdam.
The lawsuit also alleges Nomura subjected her employees to aggressive verbal harassment. It also claims Lizzo and her management team were allegedly aware of the conduct.
“On several occasions, Nomura made statements and/or took physical actions to threaten Plaintiff and the entire crew: (1) she threatened Plaintiff and others that she would “kill a bitch” and “stab a bitch” when she could not find her medication. (2) she shoved a crew member in retaliation for revealing she was threatening to quit. (3) Nomura snatched food out of a local worker’s hand for merely attempting to take an assigned break,” details the lawsuit.
Daniels detailed an alleged work schedule, where she worked 20 hours every day. She claims she was “frequently denied breaks” by Nomura, who “monitored and policed” workers under her supervision. Daniels alleges there was an instance where Nomura sprained Daniels’ ankle with a clothing rack Nomura was transporting. Nomura allegedly forced Daniels to change back into tennis shoes from orthopedic shoes meant to alleviate the injury.
“Not only was Plaintiff denied medical treatment (on this occasion and others) but was also forced to be on her feet the majority of the day and denied any rest – even after rolling her ankle.”
Daniels raised concerns in February 2023 of “widespread racial and sexual harassment” in which “Black dancers were being mocked, objectified, and denied accommodations.” These concerns were brough up to touring manager, Carlina Gugliotta. Daniels’ concerns were allegedly ignored and she was fired before her contract was set to end.
The lawsuit names Lizzo, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., Nomura and Gugliotta as defendants. Daniels claims she suffers anxiety, migraines, brain fog and continuing fatigue as a result of the alleged misconduct.
Lizzo did not respond to the new allegations at first. A representative for the singer called the lawsuit an “absurd publicity stun.” They go on to say it was filed as the artist was set to receive a humanitarian award from the Black Music Action Coalition. The award was set to be presented on Thursday, September 21st. The representative added, “We will pay this as much attention as it deserves. None.”
