Lizzo is facing legal action from three former dancers who have accused her of sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment, according to NBC News. The lawsuit, reported by Newsound, was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court and also names Lizzo’s production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, and dance captain Shirlene Quigley. The dancers are seeking damages for emotional distress, unpaid wages, loss of earnings, and attorney’s fees. Newsound has sought comments from Lizzo’s representatives and Quigley.
The three dancers involved in the lawsuit all started working with Lizzo in 2021. Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams were hired during the production of the Amazon reality series “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.” The third dancer, Noelle Rodriguez, joined after appearing in the music video for Lizzo’s song “Rumors.”
The lawsuit alleges an incident at a post-show afterparty in Amsterdam earlier this year, where Lizzo allegedly pressured Davis to touch the breasts of a nude performer while encouraging other dancers to engage in explicit acts. The lawsuit also claims that Lizzo invited the dancers to a Paris cabaret bar for “inspiration” without disclosing that the performers would be nude.
Davis is also suing the production company and Lizzo for disability discrimination, claiming that Lizzo made derogatory comments about her weight and questioned her commitment to work after a performance at SXSW. Davis stated that Lizzo persistently asked her to reveal her personal issues, leading her to disclose her struggles with anxiety, depression, and binge eating disorder. In response, Lizzo and choreographer Tanisha Scott offered Davis time off for therapy, which Davis felt pressured to decline to avoid being perceived as unfit for her role in the dance cast. Despite feeling hurt and emotionally drained, Davis still performed that night.
The lawsuit highlights the alleged lack of respect for the dancers’ bodily autonomy and well-being, particularly in front of other employees, and claims that Lizzo created a hostile work environment through her actions and comments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lizzo, workplace harassment.
Q: What is the lawsuit against Lizzo about?
A: The lawsuit against Lizzo involves allegations of sexual harassment and the creation of a hostile work environment by three former dancers. They are seeking damages for emotional distress, unpaid wages, loss of earnings, and attorney’s fees.
Q: Who else is named in the lawsuit besides Lizzo?
A: Besides Lizzo, the lawsuit also names Lizzo’s production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, and dance captain Shirlene Quigley.
Q: What incidents are mentioned in the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit describes an incident at a post-show afterparty in Amsterdam where Lizzo allegedly pressured a dancer to touch the breasts of a nude performer and encouraged explicit acts among other dancers.
Q: When did the dancers start working with Lizzo?
A: The three dancers involved in the lawsuit began working with Lizzo in 2021. Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams were hired during the production of the Amazon reality series “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” and Noelle Rodriguez was hired after appearing in the music video for Lizzo’s song “Rumors.”
Q: What additional claim does one of the dancers make in the lawsuit?
A: One of the dancers, Arianna Davis, also sues Lizzo and the production company for disability discrimination. Davis claims that Lizzo made derogatory comments about her weight and questioned her commitment to work after a performance.
Q: How did Lizzo respond to Davis’ disclosure of personal struggles?
A: Lizzo and choreographer Tanisha Scott offered Davis time off for therapy, which Davis felt pressured to decline to avoid being perceived as unfit for her role in the dance cast.
Q: What does the lawsuit state about Lizzo’s regard for her employees’ bodily autonomy?
A: The lawsuit alleges that Lizzo showed little regard for the bodily autonomy of her employees and those around her, especially during explicit incidents in front of other employees.
Q: What are the main claims made by the dancers in the lawsuit?
A: The main claims made by the dancers in the lawsuit include sexual harassment, hostile work environment, emotional distress, unpaid wages, and disability discrimination.
Q: Has Lizzo or her representatives responded to the lawsuit?
A: As of now, there is no information on Lizzo or her representatives’ response to the lawsuit. Newsound has reached out to them for comment.
Q: What is the venue for the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
2 comments
lizzo’s gotta own up if these claims r true. dancers have rights 2! #WorkplaceJustice
sticking with lizzo no matter what! hope she addresses this soon. #LizzoSupporter