In a shocking turn of events, three former dancers for Grammy Award-winning artist Lizzo have filed a lawsuit against her. The accusations are serious, including sexual harassment, weight-shaming, and creating a hostile work environment. This news has sent shockwaves through the industry, especially considering Lizzo’s public image as a champion of body positivity and self-love.
The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court by Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez. The dancers claim they were exposed to a sexually charged atmosphere, including outings where nudity and sexuality were focal points. They also allege weight-shaming and religious harassment by the dance captain, Shirlene Quigley.
Among the allegations, the dancers claim that Lizzo pressured Ms. Davis to touch the breasts of a performer in a nightclub in Amsterdam. Ms. Davis, after resisting, eventually acquiesced, fearing it may harm her future on the team. Another incident involves a 12-hour rehearsal where Arianna Davis claims she was forced to re-audition in see-through clothing, without undergarments, and in front of male crew members.
The dancers also allege racial discrimination, claiming black members of the dance troupe were treated differently and accused of being “lazy, unprofessional, and having bad attitudes.”
Two of the plaintiffs, Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams, began performing with Lizzo after competing on her reality television show, “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” in 2021. The third plaintiff, Noelle Rodriguez, was hired later to perform in Lizzo’s “Rumors” music video.
The dancers claim they were not paid fairly while on parts of Lizzo’s European tour, and they were told not to work on other projects while on tour. Ms. Davis and Ms. Williams were fired, while Ms. Rodriguez resigned over the alleged treatment of her fellow colleagues.
The lawsuit has raised questions about the contrast between Lizzo’s public persona and the allegations made by her former dancers. Lizzo’s reputation for championing body positivity and inclusivity is now under scrutiny.
As of now, representatives for Lizzo and her production company have not immediately responded to requests for comment. The legal process is just beginning, and it remains to be seen how this lawsuit will unfold.
This story is undoubtedly complex and troubling, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on developments. It’s a reminder that the entertainment industry, despite its glitz and glamour, can sometimes hide darker realities.
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