Pop sensation Lizzo is accused of sexual harassment and weight-shaming by three of her former dancers, who have brought forth a lawsuit involving various claims of professional misconduct and a hostile work environment.
The lawsuit, which was filed recently in Los Angeles, contains a range of serious accusations, including sexual, religious, and racial harassment, discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment. The former dancers, namely Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, are the plaintiffs behind the legal proceedings.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it alleges that during the period spanning from 2021 to 2023, the dancers were subjected to “sexually denigrating behavior” and coerced into participating in inappropriate and unsettling sex shows.
One specific incident mentioned involves Lizzo pressuring Ms. Davis to touch another performer’s breasts at a nightclub in Amsterdam. After initial resistance, Ms. Davis felt compelled to comply, fearing that her refusal might jeopardize her standing on the team.
Celebrated for her body-positive and self-love messages, Lizzo is sued over harassment alongside dance choreographer Tanisha Scott, who is accused of engaging in weight-shaming towards Ms. Davis during a tour.
This allegedly involved questioning her commitment and insinuating that her weight gain required justification, leading to the disclosure of personal and intimate details.
The lawsuit further targets the dance team’s captain, Shirlene Quigley, for imposing her Christian beliefs on the performers, and making derogatory comments about those engaging in premarital sex. Additionally, Quigley is alleged to have publicly discussed a former dancer’s virginity and posted about it on social media.
The plaintiffs have also raised racial discrimination concerns against the management team of production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. According to the lawsuit, black members of the dance troupe faced disparate treatment, including accusations of laziness, unprofessionalism, and bad attitudes, which are harmful stereotypes commonly employed to demean and discourage black women. Other dancers, not subject to the same treatment, received fairer and more respectful treatment.
Moreover, the lawsuit includes allegations of unfair compensation during Lizzo’s European tour. The dancers claim that they were paid only 25% of their weekly compensatory pay during periods when they were not performing, while other performers received 50%. Additionally, they assert that they were discouraged from working on other projects during the tour.
The three dancers involved in the lawsuit initially encountered Lizzo in March 2021 while preparing to compete on the reality TV show “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.” Ms. Rodriguez joined the group later in May 2021 for Lizzo’s “Rumours” music video and remained a part of the dance troupe.
Unfortunately, both Ms. Davis and Ms. Williams were dismissed from the dance team, and Ms. Rodriguez eventually resigned due to the alleged mistreatment of her fellow colleagues.
As the lawsuit in which Lizzo is accused of fat shaming unfolds, the accused and the accusing parties have been approached for comments on the matter. The legal proceedings highlight the importance of addressing and rectifying issues of harassment and discrimination in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the need for a safer and more respectful work environment for all performers.