LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Lizzo is facing legal action from three of her former backup dancers, who have accused her of sexual harassment and creating a "hostile work environment." The lawsuit was filed at the LA Superior Court by Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez.
The trio alleged that the 'Truth Hurts' singer engaged in weight-shaming and allegedly invited "cast members to take turns touching the nude performers," inside a strip club in Amsterdam. The lawsuit further alleged that Lizzo encouraged inappropriate behavior, such as "catching dildos launched from the performers' vaginas, and eating bananas protruding from the performers' vaginas."
Did Lizzo fat-shame her backup dancers?
Ron Zambrano, the lawyer representing the dancers, said, "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," per NBC News.
The lawsuit documented incidents of harassment in detail, including an incident where Lizzo allegedly pressured Davis "to touch the breasts of one of the nude women" at a club in Amsterdam. Davis refused multiple times, but the singer reportedly insisted and created an uncomfortable atmosphere. Davis was fired later.
According to the lawsuit, Williams was fired days after she objected to Lizzo's accusations that the dancers were drinking before performances. Rodriguez raised concerns with a manager about Williams' firing after Lizzo claimed to have "eyes and ears everywhere." Rodriguez felt disrespected and even threatened to resign, to which Lizzo responded by "cracking her knuckles, balling her fists" and using a slur to say she was "lucky."
The lawsuit also mentioned Lizzo's dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, who faced accusations of sharing "lewd sexual fantasies" and discussing the virginity of one of the dancers while berating those who had pre-marital sex. The allegations against Lizzo include disability discrimination, creating a hostile work environment, sexual harassment and failing to address the issues at hand. Her company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., is also named in the lawsuit.
Who are the three dancers who have accused Lizzo?
The three former backup dancers involved in the lawsuit have unique backgrounds and experiences. Davis, originally from Indiana, has been passionate about dance since a young age and is pursuing a degree in Music Production at Full Sail University. She gained attention when her TikTok dance video caught Lizzo's eye, leading to her inclusion in the reality show 'Watch Out For The Big Grrrls' and subsequently being hired as a backup dancer for the singer.
Back in April 2022, Davis, who dreamed of becoming a recording artist, expressed her excitement about working with Lizzo and referred to her as a "role model." "She's the same person in real life that she is on social media, and in the media. She is just such a genuine, kind-hearted person, and I love working with her," she had said.
Speaking of her own goals, Davis stated, "I just really want to be a trailblazer, and spread joy because I feel like there's not enough in the industry. There's not enough in the world. And just to be kind to everybody. You know, I feel like if I represent that in my daily life, maybe I can represent that for other people."
Williams, a Texas native, studied Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University. She became a part of Lizzo's troupe while still in university and submitted a video audition, which led to her participation in the reality show and eventually joining Lizzo's European tour. Rodriguez, another Texas native, appeared in Lizzo's music video for 'Rumors' before being hired as a dancer. She has an impressive resume, having performed with other celebrities such as Beyonce and Janet Jackson. Prior to the lawsuit, Rodriguez shared a cryptic statement on her Instagram that contained a quote from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
"If they want to make an example of me, I will gladly be one. Hopefully we can be an example of dedication, courage, and persistence under fire. I also hope to be an example of not toleration nonsense, too." Rodriguez then shared her own words, which read, "It brings me peace to be at a point in my career where I can say NO to disrespect. I stand strong in walking away from spaces that don't serve me, and more importantly, don't deserve me. My talent, my character, and reputation speaks volumes on its own. Know your worth and never be afraid to use your voice. Stand up for what is right regardless of who is committing the wrong. Excited for what is to come. And to be honest it quite was...#aboutdamntime."