Grammy Award-winning artist Lizzo finds herself embroiled in controversy as three of her former dancers file a lawsuit against her, along with Big Grrrl Big Touring and Shirlene Quigley.
The plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, claim they endured weight-shaming, sexually denigrating behavior, and pressure to participate in disturbing sex shows while working with the Good as Hell performer.
According to court documents obtained by the New York Post’s Page Six, the troubling incidents allegedly occurred during a concert trip to Amsterdam in February 2023. Lizzo invited the dancers for a night out, which ended in the city’s notorious red light district, known for its explicit venues and adult entertainment.
The lawsuit details a distressing account of events, claiming that Lizzo encouraged cast members to engage in inappropriate activities such as touching nude performers, catching launched dildos, and eating bananas protruding from performers’ vaginas. Davis also alleges that Lizzo goaded her into touching a nude performer’s breasts, adding to the hostile work environment.
Just a month later, the singer of About Damn Time allegedly deceived the dancers into attending another nude show, denying them the choice to participate. In a harrowing re-audition, Davis claims she felt compelled to soil herself on stage, fearing the consequences of excusing herself to use the restroom.
As a result of the incidents and alleged misconduct, Davis was reportedly fired on the spot after recording one of their meetings to keep notes. Rodriguez resigned shortly after, expressing her solidarity with Davis and condemning Lizzo’s purported disrespect.
In addition to the three dancers’ accusations, filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison spoke out, describing Lizzo as a “narcissistic bully” and recounting her decision to walk away from directing Lizzo’s documentary due to disrespectful treatment.
Lizzo’s reputation faces severe scrutiny as the public opinion takes a toll with emerging testimonies. Other associates have come forward to substantiate claims of a toxic work environment on Lizzo’s tour, adding fuel to the fire of the ongoing controversy.
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Lizzo Responds
Lizzo responded to the allegations in a statement shared on her social media accounts. In her statement, she addressed the “gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing” situation caused by the lawsuit and the additional testimonies that emerged in the aftermath. She attributed the stories to former employees with a history of inappropriate behavior while touring with her. The artist also defended her work ethic, morals, and respectfulness while acknowledging her high standards.
The artist denied the allegations as “unbelievable” and claimed that they were coming from ex-employees who had admitted to engaging in “inappropriate and unprofessional” behavior while working with her on tour. Lizzo stated that she usually chooses not to respond to false allegations, but the severity and outrageousness of the claims compelled her to address them directly.
Regarding the specific allegations, Lizzo did not provide detailed responses to all of them. She seemed to address the claim that she put her dancers through a grueling second audition, which allegedly led one dancer to soil herself due to anxiety. Lizzo defended her passion and high standards for her work but clarified that it was never her intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or undervalued as part of the team.
Regarding the accusation of sexual harassment, where a dancer claimed Lizzo pressured her into touching a nude woman’s breasts at a strip club after party, Lizzo did not provide a direct response. Instead, she mentioned not allowing others to twist her openness about her sexuality to misrepresent her character.
Lizzo also addressed the allegations of weight-shaming and made it clear that she would never criticize or terminate an employee based on their weight. She expressed empathy, stating that she knows what it feels like to be body-shamed daily and would not subject anyone else to such treatment.
The artist acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and the impact it has had on her reputation, but she maintained that the stories were sensationalized and came from individuals with questionable intentions. She urged the public to consider her character, work ethic, and respectfulness, which she claimed have been unfairly questioned and criticized.
As the legal process continues, Lizzo’s response will likely be scrutinized, and further developments in the case will be closely monitored by the media and the public. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what impact it will have on Lizzo’s career and public image.
