Grammy-winning artist Lizzo is at the centre of a controversy as three of her former dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, have filed a lawsuit against her for allegedly creating a hostile work environment.
The dancers, who were part of Lizzo’s team from May 2021 to May 2023, have made nine charges, including weight-shaming, sexually denigrating behavior, and forced participation in disturbing sex shows.
Represented by West Coast Employment Lawyers (WCEL), the plaintiffs claim that the treatment they endured from Lizzo and her management team goes against everything the artiste publicly stands for.
Lizzo, who has been known as a strong supporter of body positivity and self-love, responded to the allegations on social media, denying any wrongdoing and stating that the former employees have admitted their inappropriate and unprofessional behavior on tour.
In the midst of the legal battle, Lizzo’s brand and image as a champion for women are being questioned. WCEL’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, asserts that the artist’s denial of the allegations has added to the emotional distress of the dancers. The lawsuit targets not only Lizzo but also her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., and the captain of her dance team, Shirlene Quigley.
The court documents reveal shocking details, including an alleged incident in Amsterdam’s red-light district where Lizzo pressured her employees, including Davis, Rodriguez, and Williams, to interact with nude performers against their will. The complaint also accuses Lizzo of aggressively confronting Rodriguez, leading to fears of physical violence. Another charge claims that Lizzo falsely imprisoned Davis, holding her in a room until her phone and iCloud storage were searched.
Davis and Williams first met Lizzo on the reality TV show “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” in March 2021, vying for an opportunity to join her live shows. Despite their dreams coming true, Davis and Williams were eventually fired, while Rodriguez resigned, citing Lizzo’s behaviour.
The lawsuit has sparked significant debate among fans and critics alike, with many questioning the artiste’s actions and the alleged hypocrisy in light of her advocacy for body positivity. As the legal battle unfolds, the music industry is watching closely to see how this situation will impact Lizzo’s career and public image.
