Grammy-winning singer Lizzo has denied accusations made in a lawsuit filed by three former dancers, claiming that she created a hostile work environment through denigrating behavior and body-shaming. Lizzo called the allegations “false” and “outrageous” in a response on the social media platform X. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and includes claims of harassment based on sex, religion, race, and disability.
Alongside Lizzo, the lawsuit also names her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc, and Shirlene Quigley, the captain of her dance team, as defendants. Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, stated that the allegations were made by three former employees who had previously been informed that their behavior was inappropriate and unprofessional.
In her response, Lizzo wrote, “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 referred to the past few days as “gut-wrenchingly difficult.”
The plaintiffs – Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez – claim that they were coerced into touching nude performers at an Amsterdam strip club in February. The lawsuit also alleges that Davis was pressured into participating in a nude photo shoot to remain in a dance competition, despite her discomfort. Davis stated that she feared losing her job if she did not comply with Lizzo’s alleged requests.
Denying the accusations, Lizzo wrote, “I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not.”
The plaintiffs’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, stated that Lizzo had sought to shame her dancers based on their weight and demean them in ways that are illegal and demoralizing. Lizzo responded by saying she understands what it feels like to be body-shamed and would never terminate an employee because of their weight.
The lawsuit also claims that Quigley subjected the dancers to her religious beliefs against their will. The plaintiffs also alleged that Quigley brought up Davis’ virginity in conversations and interviews, revealing personal details about her on social media without her consent.
Representatives for Quigley have not yet commented on the allegations. Davis and Williams were eventually dismissed, while Rodriguez resigned due to the alleged behavior, according to the lawsuit.
(Reporting by Brendan O’Brien in Chicago; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
