Lizzo Cleared of Multiple Harassment Claims in Stylist's Lawsuit

Lizzo, dressed as "LizzOzempic" for Halloween in a playful nod to a 'South Park' parody. The pop star recently secured a legal victory in a harassment lawsuit. (Photo via Lizzo's official Instagram)

A California judge dismissed several claims in a harassment and discrimination lawsuit against pop star Lizzo by her former stylist, Asha Daniels, in a significant legal victory for the Grammy-winning artist.

Daniels, who worked as a wardrobe assistant on Lizzo's 2023 "Big Grrrl Big Tour," filed the lawsuit in September 2023. She alleged a "sexualized, racially charged, and illegal work environment," accusing her manager, Amanda Nomura, of physical and verbal abuse.

However, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha ruled on Monday, that many of Daniels' claims fell outside U.S. jurisdiction, as the alleged misconduct primarily took place during the European leg of the tour. "These allegations do not establish plausibly that any portion of plaintiff's claim arose from work performed in the United States or qualifying territories," the judge wrote in his ruling. Additionally, the judge found Daniels lacked sufficient evidence to support her claim for unpaid overtime.

Lizzo's attorney, Doug Weinstein, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing Lizzo's determination to fight the accusations. "There's a reason that Lizzo continues to fight long after most public figures would have settled—because these allegations are false and can't be allowed to stand," Weinstein said.

Daniels' lawsuit also described alleged derogatory remarks and wrongful termination for refusing to follow what she called "demeaning" instructions. Specific details of these instructions were not made public. The lawsuit further claimed that members of Lizzo's team made disparaging comments about the singer and other dancers.

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Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, has consistently denied the allegations. "Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations, but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to address," Lizzo said in a social media post.

The case is separate from another lawsuit filed in August 2023 by three former backup dancers who have accused Lizzo of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. That case remains ongoing.

While Judge Aenlle-Rocha dismissed several claims against Lizzo, her touring company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., still faces other claims in Daniels' lawsuit. Additional legal proceedings are expected to address these remaining claims, along with the pending lawsuit by the backup dancers.

Beyoncé Tops Billboard’s List of 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century

Beyoncé rides into new territory on the cover of her 2024 album "Cowboy Carter," showcasing her evolution as Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century.

Beyoncé has been named the greatest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard. The music industry giant earned the title for her countless achievements, which include defining moments that have changed the industry, timeless releases, and her remarkable vocal and performance talents.

“Beyoncé tops our staff-chosen editorial list based on her full 25 years of influence, impact, evolution,” wrote Billboard’s Andrew Unterberger, who underscored her ability to deliver more than just music, but moments that resonate throughout pop culture.

Beyoncé, who rose to stardom in the late '90s with Destiny's Child, has forged a monumental solo career with not only chart successes but also influential cultural contributions. Billboard’s editorial staff cited her “ability to create moments” as a key reason for placing her at the top of their list of the "25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century." In their analysis, the publication emphasized that Beyoncé is “the bar against which all other pop stars this century have long been measured,” crediting her “commitment to innovation, evolution and all-around excellence.”

Beyoncé's legacy is built on her commitment to artistry, exemplified by iconic milestones like her 2013 surprise album drop that revolutionized the music industry and her headlining performance at Coachella in 2018, which became a symbol of Black cultural excellence. Her influence extends far beyond chart hits—she has been instrumental in shaping the future of music, from her role in popularizing the visual album format to her daring, genre-blending music that has sparked meaningful social conversations.

With 32 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé is the most decorated artist in Grammy history, and her influence shows no signs of waning. She received 11 nominations for her 2024 album "Cowboy Carter" and is expected to add more trophies to her collection in January.

The Houston native's presence on Billboard’s charts is equally noteworthy. As a solo artist, she has nine No. 1 singles and 24 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, while eight of her albums have claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Her journey began with her 2003 debut solo album "Dangerously In Love," which marked the start of a string of successes after already dominating the airwaves as part of Destiny’s Child.

Billboard also compiled a list of the "100 Greatest Moments" of Beyoncé's career, highlighting milestones such as her 2009 performance in the thriller "Obsessed" and her 2016 "Formation" video, which became a cultural statement on racial pride and female empowerment.

Since August, Billboard has ranked the top 25 pop artists of the last 25 years, highlighting those who have most defined pop stardom since the turn of the millennium. Last week, Taylor Swift was announced as the No. 2 pick, followed by Rihanna in the third spot. Adele, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Drake rounded out the top 10, with Katy Perry closing out the list at No. 25. Other pop artists recognized include Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, One Direction, Miley Cyrus, Eminem, and Usher.

Beyoncé's year has also been marked by her Renaissance World Tour, a showcase of her artistry that featured her daughter, Blue Ivy, joining her on stage—symbolizing a passing of the torch to a new generation.

Fans can read the full list of Billboard's "25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century" and Beyoncé's top 100 moments on Billboard's website.

Rapper Yak Gotti Wins Freedom After Jury Acquits Him in YSL Racketeering Case

Rapper Yak Gotti, whose real name is Deamonte Kendrick, was found not guilty on all charges in the Young Slime Life RICO case on Tuesday, ending a nearly two-year legal battle. The verdict came after a Fulton County jury deliberated for four days.

Kendrick's acquittal follows a violent incident on Sunday, when he was stabbed inside the Fulton County Jail while awaiting the jury's decision. Despite the attack, Kendrick appeared in court on Monday. His attorney, Doug Weinstein, confirmed that Kendrick sustained minor injuries from a sharp object during an altercation at the jail's South Annex in Union City, Georgia. Weinstein noted Kendrick received treatment, including staples to his head, and added, "He's doing really well."

“It’s a shame that anyone held in our jails has to go through that,” Weinstein said outside the Fulton County Courthouse. He also expressed hope for Kendrick's release, which became a reality following the jury's not guilty verdict.

Fulton County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Natalie Ammons stated that Kendrick and another detainee were involved in a fight and that an investigation is underway. "This is an active investigation to determine the aggressor in this incident and if charges will be pending," Ammons said.

Kendrick and co-defendant Shannon Stillwell were the last remaining defendants in the YSL trial, which saw 28 individuals indicted in May 2022 on charges including conspiracy to violate Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, murder, and other offenses. Jury selection for the trial began nearly two years ago, making it one of Georgia's longest-running trials.

Kendrick and Stillwell had rejected plea deals from prosecutors, unlike Young Thug — whose real name is Jeffery Williams — who, along with three others, accepted plea agreements in October. Williams pleaded no contest to RICO and gang-related charges, resulting in probation after serving more than a year and a half in jail.

Prosecutors argued that YSL, also known as Young Slime Life, was a criminal street gang linked to numerous offenses. Defense attorneys, however, contended that YSL is merely a record label — Young Stoner Life — and not a criminal organization.

On Tuesday, the jury found Kendrick not guilty on all counts, including conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, murder, gang activity, drug offenses, and firearm possession. Stillwell, meanwhile, was found guilty of a single count—possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced to 10 years, with time served taken into account, and will be released on probation.

Judge Paige Whitaker had previously issued a directed verdict of acquittal on three of Kendrick's original nine charges, including two counts of violating the Georgia Controlled Substances Act and possession of a machine gun, citing insufficient evidence for a conviction.

Young Thug's plea deal included conditions such as staying away from Atlanta for 10 years, performing community service, and avoiding gang associations and firearms. The co-defendants who chose not to accept plea deals had remained in jail while awaiting the jury's decision.

With Kendrick now acquitted, the YSL RICO case — one of Georgia's longest trials — ends with mixed outcomes for the defendants.