Former Backup Dancers File Lawsuit Against Lizzo, Alleging Harassment And Discrimination
Three of Lizzo’s former backup dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, have filed a lawsuit against the popstar, accusing her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The legal battle comes after the dancers claimed that Lizzo made hurtful comments about their weight and pressured one of them to touch a nude performer in a strip club during a performance in Amsterdam.
The lawsuit also includes accusations against Lizzo’s dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, who allegedly shared lewd sexual fantasies and publicly discussed the virginity of one of the plaintiffs while berating those who had had pre-marital sex.
The complaint lists multiple damages, including allegations of a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, religious harassment, racial harassment, disability discrimination, and failure to prevent or remedy the harassment.
Lizzo, known for her body positivity, is facing serious allegations that seem to contradict her public image. The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Ron Zambrano, expressed shock at the treatment their clients allegedly received, stating that it goes against everything Lizzo stands for publicly.
According to the lawsuit, Lizzo allegedly pressured Ms. Davis to touch the breasts of a nude performer during a performance in Amsterdam. Davis refused multiple times, but Lizzo persisted, encouraging her to go through with the act, which Davis eventually did.
The plaintiffs also claim that Lizzo invited them to a club in Paris without disclosing that it was a nude cabaret bar, leaving the dancers feeling shocked and robbed of their choice not to participate.
Furthermore, Williams spoke out about Lizzo’s claim that the dancers were drinking before performances, which reportedly led to an excruciating 12-hour rehearsal. Williams lost her job shortly after, and Davis claimed to have soiled her pants during the intense rehearsal due to fear of losing her job. She was then allegedly given a see-through outfit with no undergarments to finish the performance.
When Rodriguez complained about Williams’ public firing, Lizzo allegedly held a meeting and confiscated dancers’ phones, hurling expletives and threatening to find out who recorded the meeting. Davis, who had recorded the meeting due to an eye condition, was subsequently fired on the spot, and Rodriguez was disrespected and insulted when she chose to resign.
Lizzo and her touring company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., are specifically accused of disability discrimination, creating a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and failing to address these issues.
As of now, Lizzo has not responded to the lawsuit. The case was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, and it remains to be seen how the legal battle will unfold.
