Three former dancers of Grammy-winning singer Lizzo have filed a lawsuit against her, accusing her and the captain of her dance team of creating a hostile work environment. The lawsuit alleges that the dancers were exposed to an overtly sexual atmosphere that permeated their workplace. The defendants named in the lawsuit include Lizzo, her production company, and the tour’s dance captain. The suit claims that Lizzo and the dance captain were involved in episodes of sexual and religious harassment, weight shaming, and other allegations. Representatives for Lizzo and her production company have not yet responded to the lawsuit. The plaintiffs’ lawyers may be hoping for a settlement, as proving a hostile work environment in the entertainment industry can be difficult. Lauren McCarthy reported

Three Former Dancers File Lawsuit Against Lizzo, Alleging Hostile Work Environment

In a recent development, three former dancers of Grammy-winning singer Lizzo have filed a lawsuit against her, accusing her and the captain of her dance team of creating a hostile work environment during their performances on her Special Tour this year. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that the dancers were subjected to an overtly sexual atmosphere and outings that focused on nudity and sexuality.

The plaintiffs’ law firm provided a copy of the lawsuit to The New York Times, stating that the dancers had been exposed to a workplace environment that was permeated with sexual overtones. The suit claims that Lizzo and the dance team’s captain, Shirlene Quigley, were involved in episodes of sexual and religious harassment, as well as weight shaming.

The lawsuit also alleges that Quigley “made it her mission to preach” Christianity to the dancers, with a fixation on virginity, while Lizzo sexually harassed them. One specific incident mentioned in the lawsuit occurred at a nightclub in Amsterdam, where Lizzo allegedly invited employees to touch nude performers and handle explicit objects used in their performances. The suit states that, out of fear of retaliation, a dancer reluctantly complied with touching a nude performer’s breast, despite expressing no interest in doing so.

Lizzo, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., and Shirlene Quigley are named as defendants in the lawsuit. It is unclear whether Lizzo was aware of the plaintiffs’ allegations against Quigley.

Representatives for Lizzo and her production company have not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

Plaintiffs’ Background and Allegations

Two of the plaintiffs, Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams, had initially performed with Lizzo after competing on her reality television show on Amazon Prime called “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” in 2021. The show aimed to provide representation for plus-size dancers, as Lizzo had stated at the time. However, Davis and Williams were fired in the spring of 2023, according to the lawsuit.

The third plaintiff, Noelle Rodriguez, was hired in May 2021 to perform in Lizzo’s “Rumors” music video and remained as part of her dance team. The lawsuit claims that Rodriguez resigned shortly after Davis and Williams were terminated.

Some of the allegations made in the lawsuit appear to contradict Lizzo’s public image of championing body positivity and inclusivity. The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Ron Zambrano, stated that the treatment of the performers by Lizzo and her management team went against everything Lizzo publicly stands for. Zambrano further alleged that Lizzo engaged in weight-shaming and demeaning behavior that was not only illegal but also demoralizing.

The lawsuit also reveals that Lizzo’s statements to the dancers gave Arianna Davis, who was diagnosed with a binge eating disorder, the impression that she had to justify her weight gain and disclose intimate personal details about her life in order to maintain her job.

Impact on Lizzo’s Reputation

These allegations, if proven true, could have a significant impact on Lizzo’s body-positive message and reputation for promoting inclusivity. Diana Reddy, an assistant professor at the School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, believes that allegations falling outside legally protected categories could undermine Lizzo’s public image. Reddy also suggested that such allegations might encourage a settlement rather than proceeding to court.

Proving a hostile work environment in the unconventional entertainment industry is often challenging, according to Reddy. She noted that employment discrimination plaintiffs generally face difficulties in court. Therefore, the plaintiffs’ lawyers may be seeking a settlement rather than pursuing a lengthy legal battle.

Lizzo’s Achievements and Influence

Since her breakout hit “Truth Hurts” dominated charts in 2019, Lizzo has become known for her feel-good music, self-love, and celebration of diversity. She has released empowerment anthems, introduced a size-inclusive shapewear line, and amassed millions of views on social media. This year, she won a Grammy for record of the year with her song “About Damn Time.”

However, this lawsuit raises questions about the authenticity of Lizzo’s public persona and whether her actions align with the values she claims to represent. The outcome of the lawsuit will likely have significant implications for Lizzo’s career and reputation.

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