Lizzo Denies Allegations of Sexual Harassment in Lawsuit
Lizzo, the Grammy-winning artist known for her body positivity and empowering music, has vehemently denied accusations of sexual harassment made against her by three of her former backup dancers. The civil lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that Lizzo pressured the dancers to engage with nude performers at a club in Amsterdam and shamed one of them for her weight gain before ultimately firing her.
In a statement posted on social media, Lizzo asserted her innocence and stated that she is not the villain that she has been portrayed as in the media. She emphasized her openness about her sexuality and expression while expressing her refusal to accept or allow people to mischaracterize her. Lizzo also addressed the challenges she has faced in recent days, acknowledging the impact of the false allegations on her work ethic, morals, and respectfulness.
The plaintiffs—Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez—have leveled various charges against Lizzo and her production company, including sexual, religious, and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment. They accuse Lizzo of contributing to a hostile work environment. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from Lizzo, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and Shirlene Quigley, the captain of Lizzo’s dance team.
The court filing alleges that following a concert in Amsterdam, Lizzo and her crew attended a sexually themed show in the city’s Red Light District. It states that Lizzo encouraged cast members to touch nude performers and led a chant pressuring one of the dancers, Arianna Davis, to touch the breasts of one of the performers. Davis, feeling mortified, eventually acquiesced to bring an end to the chants. The lawsuit claims that Lizzo showed little regard for the bodily autonomy of her employees and others present at the club.
Moreover, Lizzo, who is known for promoting body positivity, is accused of targeting Davis for her weight gain and questioning her commitment to her role. The complaint states that Davis was fired in May after recording a meeting during which Lizzo provided feedback to the dancers about their performances.
In response to these allegations, Lizzo mentioned that former employees who have come forward with sensationalized stories have previously acknowledged being informed that their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional. She emphasized that while difficult, the decisions she makes are never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable or undervalued.
The lawsuit also implicates Shirlene Quigley, who served as a judge on Lizzo’s reality show. She is accused of imposing her Christian beliefs on the dancers, referring to Davis as a non-believer and expressing her determination to talk about the Lord regardless of any job or individual’s opposition.
Lizzo’s recent accomplishments include winning a Grammy for Record of the Year for her hit single About Damn Time. Her global tour in support of her fourth studio album, Special, concluded last month.
The allegations made against Lizzo have sparked significant controversy, with supporters rallying behind her and others expressing concern over the seriousness of the accusations. As the lawsuit unfolds, it remains to be seen how the legal process will address these claims and what impact they will have on Lizzo’s career and reputation.
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