Lizzo Sued for Sexual Harassment by Former Dancers, Creating Hostile Work Environment
Los Angeles, California – Grammy-winning artist Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is facing a lawsuit filed by three former dancers. The lawsuit accuses the singer and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The civil lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and includes allegations of sexual, religious, and racial harassment, as well as disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment.
The plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, claim that Lizzo pressured one of the dancers to engage with nude performers at a club in Amsterdam. They further allege that Lizzo shamed another dancer for her weight gain before ultimately firing her. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the harm caused to the plaintiffs.
According to the court filing, after a concert in Amsterdam, Lizzo and her crew attended a sexually themed show in the city’s notorious Red Light District. During the show, Lizzo allegedly led a chant pressuring one of the dancers, Arianna Davis, to touch the breasts of a nude performer. Davis reluctantly complied in an attempt to end the chants. The plaintiffs express their shock at the lack of regard Lizzo displayed for the bodily autonomy of her employees and those around her.
In another disturbing allegation, Lizzo is accused of body-shaming Arianna Davis after accusing her of weight gain. Davis was later fired in May after recording a meeting in which Lizzo provided notes to the dancers about their performances. The plaintiffs claim that Lizzo’s comments and actions were in direct conflict with her self-proclaimed advocacy for body positivity.
Shirlene Quigley, the captain of Lizzo’s dance team and a judge on her reality show Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, is also named in the lawsuit. The court filing accuses Quigley of pushing her Christian beliefs onto the dancers. She allegedly referred to Arianna Davis as a non-believer and openly discussed Davis’ virginity, even posting about it on social media, violating her privacy.
Representatives for Lizzo and her production company have yet to comment on the lawsuit or the specific allegations made in the court filing.
Lizzo, who recently won a Grammy for her hit song About Damn Time, has been an influential figure promoting self-acceptance and body positivity. However, these accusations raise serious questions about her behavior behind the scenes and the alleged mistreatment of her dancers.
As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how Lizzo and her team will respond to these serious allegations. The lawsuit serves as a reminder that even those who champion positive messages can face accusations of mistreatment and harassment. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have consequences for both Lizzo’s career and her public image.
Disclaimer: This article presents the allegations made in the court filing and does not make any statements regarding the guilt or innocence of the parties involved. It is essential to respect due process and allow the legal system to determine the truth in these matters.
