Lizzo’s tour dancers have filed a lawsuit accusing the singer of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, alleges that Lizzo engaged in sexual, racial, and religious harassment towards the dancers between 2021 and 2023. The dancers claim that Lizzo criticized one dancer for her weight gain and later berated and fired her for recording a meeting.
According to the lawsuit, Lizzo pressured one dancer to touch a nude performer at a club in Amsterdam. The suit also alleges that Lizzo subjected several dancers to a 12-hour audition after making false accusations that they drank while working.
The lawsuit further claims that Lizzo’s dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, pushed her Christian beliefs onto other performers and denigrated those who engaged in premarital sex. Quigley is also accused of simulating oral sex, sharing lewd sexual fantasies, and discussing one performer’s virginity.
The plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, believe that Lizzo was aware of complaints against Quigley. The lawsuit names Lizzo, her production company, and Quigley as defendants, and includes claims of sexual harassment, creation of a hostile work environment, false imprisonment, and interference with prospective economic advantage.
The dancers’ lawyer, Ron Zambrano, stated that the way Lizzo treated her performers contradicts her public image of advocating for body positivity and self-love.
Representatives for Lizzo have not yet commented on the lawsuit.
The lawsuit provides detailed accounts of incidents, including an event in Amsterdam where Lizzo allegedly invited cast members to touch nude performers and engage in explicit activities. The dancers claim that Lizzo pressured them to participate, showing little regard for their autonomy and the presence of others.
Two of the plaintiffs, Davis and Williams, began performing with Lizzo after participating in a dance competition show hosted by the singer. Williams alleges that she spoke up in a meeting where Lizzo accused dancers of drinking before performances, leading to tension between them. Davis experienced an “excruciating” 12-hour rehearsal, as Lizzo told the dancers they had to audition again.
The third plaintiff, Rodriguez, quit due to the mistreatment from her teammates and Quigley’s religious proselytizing. She claims that management did not address concerns brought up about Quigley’s behavior.
The lawsuit does not specify a dollar amount for damages, which include emotional distress, lost wages, and attorneys’ fees.
Lizzo has been on tour for the majority of 2023, with performances in North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia. She recently concluded her Australian tour, which was described as joyful and spectacular by The Guardian.
