Pop sensation Lizzo is currently facing a lawsuit brought forth by three of her former dancers, who have raised a range of serious allegations including sexual harassment and the creation of a hostile work environment.
The legal proceedings encompass charges of sexual, religious, and racial harassment, as well as discrimination, assault, and wrongful confinement.
Former dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez are the individuals initiating this legal action.
Efforts have been made to contact Lizzo and the individuals accused in order to obtain their comments on the matter.
As of now, Lizzo has not publicly addressed the claims outlined in the case, which are awaiting examination within the legal system.
The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles and highlights instances of the dancers being subjected to “sexually demeaning conduct” and being compelled to participate in unsettling performances between 2021 and 2023.
Among the allegations aimed at Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is the claim that she exerted pressure on Ms. Davis to touch another performer’s breasts at a nightclub in Amsterdam. After initial resistance, Ms. Davis reportedly complied, fearing potential repercussions for her position on the team.
Lizzo, an advocate for body positivity and self-love, is also accused, alongside dance choreographer Tanisha Scott, of making derogatory comments about Ms. Davis’s weight during a tour.
Ms. Davis alleges that both individuals questioned her level of commitment to her role and indirectly prompted her to disclose personal details about her weight gain to safeguard her job.
Moreover, the lawsuit alleges that the dance team’s captain, Shirlene Quigley, imposed her Christian beliefs on performers and criticized those who engaged in premarital sex. It further claims that she openly discussed a former dancer’s virginity and shared details about it on social media.
The lawsuit also raises allegations of racial discrimination against the management team of production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. It contends that black members of the dance troupe were treated unfairly in comparison to others.
The dancers assert that they were unfairly compensated during parts of Lizzo’s European tour, receiving only 25% of their weekly pay when not performing, while others received 50%. Additionally, they claim they were prohibited from taking on other projects while on tour.
Two of the plaintiffs, Ms. Davis and Ms. Williams, initially met Lizzo in March 2021 while preparing for the reality TV show “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.” The third dancer, Ms. Rodriguez, was later hired in May 2021 for Lizzo’s “Rumours” music video and subsequently remained part of the dance group.
Ms. Davis and Ms. Williams were dismissed from the dance team, while Ms. Rodriguez resigned due to concerns about the treatment of her colleagues.
Lizzo, renowned for hits like “Truth Hurts,” “About Damn Time,” “Juice,” “Good As Hell,” and “2 Be Loved,” is now entangled in this legal dispute that raises significant allegations.
Source – bbc.com
