Lizzo faces allegations of sexual harassment and hostile work environment from former dancers; lawsuit filed in Los Angeles court

Grammy-winning artist Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is facing a civil lawsuit filed by three former dancers who accuse her and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc, of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that Lizzo pressured the dancers to engage with nude performers at a club in Amsterdam and shamed one of them for her weight gain before terminating her employment.

The plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, have leveled various charges, including sexual, religious, and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment. The court documents also named Shirlene Quigley, the captain of Lizzo's dance team and a judge on her reality show, "Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls," as being accused of pushing her Christian beliefs onto the dancers.

The lawsuit

According to the lawsuit, the incident took place after Lizzo's concert in Amsterdam, where she and her crew attended a show in the city's Red Light District. Lizzo allegedly pressured the dancers to touch nude performers, leading to uncomfortable situations for the plaintiffs. The court filing claimed that Lizzo disregarded the bodily autonomy of her employees in front of many people who worked for her.

One of the plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, claimed she was pressured to participate in a photo shoot despite her discomfort, fearing that she might lose her job if she refused. Furthermore, Lizzo is accused of body-shaming Davis for her weight gain and subsequently firing her in May after she recorded a meeting where Lizzo gave notes to the dancers about their performances.

Shirlene Quigley, the dance team captain, has been accused of forcing her religious beliefs onto the dancers. The lawsuit alleged that she referred to Davis as a "non-believer" and openly discussed personal details about Davis without her consent. This allegedly included mentioning Davis' virginity during conversations, interviews, and on social media.

The plaintiffs claim that Davis and Williams were fired, while Rodriguez chose to resign due to the behavior exhibited by Lizzo and her team.

Lizzo, known for championing body positivity, has not yet responded to the allegations. Her representatives have not issued any official statements regarding the lawsuit.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Lizzo's career continues to soar. Earlier this year, she won a Grammy for Record of the Year for her hit "About Damn Time." Her global tour supporting her fourth studio album, "Special," recently concluded.

As the case unfolds, the music industry and fans alike await further developments to see how this situation will impact Lizzo's career and her reputation as an advocate for body positivity.