Lizzo Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Unfair Working Conditions

Lizzo, the multi-talented artist known for her music and vibrant personality, is once again making headlines, but this time it’s not for her chart-topping hits. Asha Daniels, a former employee in Lizzo’s wardrobe department during this year’s tour, has brought forward a lawsuit with serious allegations. Daniels claims that during her time on tour, she endured grueling 20-hour shifts without proper breaks and was exposed to racist and fatphobic comments from some members of Lizzo’s team. Shockingly, Amanda Nomura, a team member, is accused of using derogatory language to describe Black women on the tour, including terms like “dumb,” “useless,” and “fat.”

This lawsuit comes on the heels of another legal battle initiated by three dancers who alleged sexual harassment and weight-shaming within Lizzo’s team. The allegations paint a disturbing picture of the working conditions behind the scenes of Lizzo’s performances.

Daniels’ lawsuit goes further to claim that she suffered a physical injury when Nomura allegedly rolled a clothing rack over her ankle. Even more concerning, she alleges that she was reprimanded for wearing Crocs to alleviate the swelling, a move she says was suggested by Lizzo’s tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta. Daniels sought advice on the situation and was advised to gather video evidence, but she felt it was ethically problematic.

Additionally, Daniels asserts that she was not allowed to wear revealing clothing around Lizzo because the artist did not want her boyfriend to be around other attractive women. These restrictions on her attire added to her discomfort and stress during her time on tour.

The culmination of these alleged incidents led to Daniels’ eventual dismissal, which she claims has had lasting negative effects on her well-being. She reports experiencing ongoing anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, migraines, ocular distortions, brain fog, and fatigue.

When questioned about these allegations, a spokesperson for Lizzo, Stefan Friedman, dismissed them as a “bogus” and “absurd publicity-stunt lawsuit.” He pointed out that the plaintiff, Asha Daniels, had never actually met or spoken with Lizzo. It’s important to note that this is not the first time Lizzo has faced legal challenges related to her tour, as she, her production company, and her dance captain were named as defendants in a previous lawsuit filed in August.

The previous lawsuit also included allegations of racial discrimination and disability discrimination, as well as an incident in Amsterdam where Lizzo was accused of pressuring a dancer into inappropriate actions. These allegations are both serious and disturbing.

In response to the initial lawsuit, Lizzo vehemently denied the “false allegations,” asserting that she had never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable or undervalued. She explained that she sometimes had to make tough decisions but did not want to be seen as a villain.

However, the original plaintiffs reiterated and elaborated on their claims, emphasizing how disheartening and frustrating it was for Lizzo to deny and discredit their experiences.

It’s worth noting that in a separate lawsuit, 14 Lizzo dancers settled earlier this year over payment disputes related to their appearance in the documentary “Love, Lizzo.” This incident further underscores the complex legal challenges surrounding the artist and her tour.

As these legal battles continue, Lizzo’s reputation as a musician and entertainer may face significant scrutiny, casting a shadow over her otherwise successful career in the music industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lizzo Lawsuit

What are the main allegations in the lawsuit against Lizzo’s tour?

The main allegations in the lawsuit against Lizzo’s tour include claims of grueling working conditions, such as 20-hour shifts without proper breaks. Additionally, there are accusations of racist and fatphobic comments made by some members of Lizzo’s team. Amanda Nomura, a team member, is alleged to have used derogatory language to describe Black women on the tour.

Are there any physical injuries mentioned in the lawsuit?

Yes, the lawsuit mentions a physical injury suffered by Asha Daniels, a former tour employee. She claims that a clothing rack was rolled over her ankle by Amanda Nomura, one of Lizzo’s team members. As a result, she also alleges that she was reprimanded for wearing Crocs to alleviate the swelling.

How did Lizzo’s tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta, respond to the situation?

According to the lawsuit, Asha Daniels sought advice from Lizzo’s tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta, regarding the alleged mistreatment. Gugliotta advised her to gather video evidence, although Daniels felt this would be ethically problematic.

Were there restrictions on the clothing that Asha Daniels could wear around Lizzo?

Yes, the lawsuit mentions that Asha Daniels claims she was not allowed to wear revealing clothing around Lizzo because Lizzo did not want her boyfriend to be around other attractive women. These restrictions on her attire added to her discomfort and stress during her time on tour.

How did Lizzo and her team respond to these allegations?

A spokesperson for Lizzo, Stefan Friedman, dismissed the allegations as a “bogus” and “absurd publicity-stunt lawsuit.” He pointed out that the plaintiff, Asha Daniels, had never actually met or spoken with Lizzo. Lizzo, in response to the initial lawsuit, denied the allegations and emphasized that she did not intend to make anyone feel uncomfortable or undervalued.

What were the allegations in the previous lawsuit against Lizzo?

The previous lawsuit against Lizzo included allegations of racial discrimination, disability discrimination, and an incident in Amsterdam where Lizzo allegedly pressured a dancer into inappropriate actions. It also mentioned incidents involving performers and props.

How have the original plaintiffs in the previous lawsuit responded to Lizzo’s denial?

The original plaintiffs in the previous lawsuit reiterated and elaborated on their claims, emphasizing how disheartening and frustrating it was for them that Lizzo denied and tried to discredit their experiences.

Is this the first time Lizzo has faced legal challenges related to her tour?

No, this is not the first time Lizzo has faced legal challenges related to her tour. The previous lawsuit, filed in August, and the settlement of 14 Lizzo dancers in a separate lawsuit earlier this year over payment disputes are examples of legal challenges that have arisen in connection with her tour.

What impact might these legal battles have on Lizzo’s career?

These legal battles could cast a shadow over Lizzo’s otherwise successful career in the music industry, as they draw significant scrutiny and attention to allegations of mistreatment and discrimination within her tour operations.

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