On August 1 2023, three of Lizzo’s former dancers filed a lawsuit against Lizzo at the Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that the Good as Hell singer created a “hostile, abusive work environment” while they were members of her dance crew.
Via @thebiggrrrls on Instagram
Let’s unpack the details of the lawsuit filed against Lizzo…
The plaintiffs/former dancers (“Crystal Williams,” “Arianna Davis,” and “Noelle Rodriguez”) filed the lawsuit on the grounds that the defendants (“Lizzo,” “Big Grrrl Big Touring production company,” and “Shirlene Quigley”) had subjected them to mistreatment whilst on tour, including acts of sexual harassment, weight-shaming, and racial discrimination.
Via @thebiggrrrls on Instagram
Without going into too much detail, among the plaintiffs claims‘ is that the Truth Hurts performer allegedly invited the dancers to engage in unwanted acts at Amsterdam’s Red Light District, despite the fact that they had expressed their unwillingness to do so.
One of the dancers in particular claimed that the About Damn Time singer allegedly voiced “thinly veiled” concerns regarding the plaintiff’s “weight gain,” which indirectly forced her to “explain her weight gain and disclose intimate personal details about her life in order to keep her job.”
Via @lizzobeeating on Instagram
Allegations of racial and religious discrimination were filed against the superstar’s production company (“Big Grrrl Big Touring”) on the grounds that the primarily white management team picked on black dancers on tour for allegedly behaving in an “unacceptable and disrespectful” manner. The plaintiffs maintain that the racially insensitive comments implicated “racial and fat-phobic animus.”
Via @lizzobeeating on Instagram
The allegations against the international superstar are shocking considering the fact that the she has always been an advocate for body positivity and inspirational messages, both in her music and on social media.
Via @thebiggrrrls on Instagram
Lizzo’s response to the allegations…
Two days after the harassment lawsuit was filed against her, the popstar took to Instagram in an official statement which categorically denied the claims.
“Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed,” she stated. “These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”
“I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight,” she shared. “There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world.”
Commenters heavily criticised the singer’s post. One individual wrote, “Smoke, mirrors and manipulation tactics on your end. I believe those girls.” Another commenter implored, “Address the sexual assault.”
We’ll be closely monitoring all developments in this case.