Pop sensation Lizzo, known for her empowering anthems and positive body image advocacy, is now confronted with a lawsuit filed by three of her former dancers. The plaintiffs—Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez—accuse Lizzo of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment during their time with her. The legal action also targets Lizzo’s production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, and dance captain Shirlene Quigley.
The lawsuit sheds light on a distressing incident that reportedly occurred during a trip to the Amsterdam strip club, Bananenbar, shortly after a performance earlier this year. According to court documents obtained by ABC News, the suit details how Lizzo encouraged cast members to engage in demeaning and explicit activities involving nude performers at the club. One of the plaintiffs, Ms. Davis, alleges that she was pressured by Lizzo to touch the breasts of one of the nude women.
The dancers’ grievances extend beyond the Amsterdam incident. The lawsuit further accuses Shirlene Quigley of proselytizing to other performers and making disparaging remarks about dancers who engaged in premarital sex. Additionally, Quigley is alleged to have simulated oral sex and discussed the virginity of one of the plaintiffs in public.
Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams, both former contestants on Lizzo’s reality series “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” found themselves out of work earlier this year, allegedly due to disputes with the pop star. Davis claims she was fired on the spot after recording a meeting where she detailed an exhausting and seemingly abusive 12-hour rehearsal. Williams, on the other hand, lost her job after challenging Lizzo during a meeting. Meanwhile, Noelle Rodriguez reportedly resigned in solidarity with her fellow dancers, fearing potential harm from the pop star herself.
The lawsuit is multifaceted, alleging weight-shaming, false imprisonment, religious and racial harassment, and interference with prospective economic advantage. Ron Zambrano, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, stated, “The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralizing.”
At this time, Lizzo has yet to issue a response to the serious allegations made against her. The case has drawn significant attention, raising important discussions about workplace dynamics and the treatment of artists’ support staff in the entertainment industry.