Renowned US pop star Lizzo finds herself entangled in a legal battle as three of her former dancers file a lawsuit against her, her dance captain, and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring (BGBT). The allegations include claims of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, religious and racial harassment, discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment.
Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, vehemently denies the allegations, referring to the last few days as “gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing.” In a statement, she said, “Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.” She asserts that the accusations come from former employees who were already warned about their inappropriate and unprofessional behavior on tour.
The lawsuit alleges that the dancers were coerced into attending sex shows and interacting with performers during tours between 2021 and 2023. Among the specific claims against Lizzo is an accusation that she pressured one of the dancers, Arianna Davis, to touch the breasts of a performer in a nightclub in Amsterdam. Davis allegedly resisted at first but eventually acquiesced, fearing repercussions for her position on the team.
Furthermore, the case accuses Lizzo and dance choreographer Tanisha Scott of fat-shaming Davis during the tour. The documents claim that questions about Davis’s commitment to the tour were thinly veiled concerns about her weight gain. The case also includes allegations of staff scolding dancers for “unacceptable and disrespectful” behavior, with the dancers feeling that these comments were charged with racial and fat-phobic animus.
Additionally, the dance team’s captain, Shirlene Quigley, is accused of pushing her Christian beliefs on performers, deriding those engaging in premarital sex, openly discussing a dancer’s virginity, and posting about it on social media.
The plaintiffs also allege racial discrimination within BGBT’s management team, with Black members of the dance troupe allegedly being treated differently from others.
Lizzo’s legal battle comes amidst her successful music career, which includes winning a Grammy for Record of the Year and performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival. The dancers involved in the case, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, have all worked closely with Lizzo in the past, contributing to her performances and music videos.
Lizzo remains determined to defend herself against the allegations and insists that she takes her art, music, and performances seriously. She expresses hurt over the accusations but affirms that she will not let this overshadow the good work she has done in the world. As the legal proceedings continue, the music industry watches closely, waiting for a resolution to the troubling allegations.