Lizzo accused of sexual harassment and weight-shaming
US singer Lizzo is being sued by three of her former dancers over claims including sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.
The lawsuit is being brought by dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez. It was filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday and includes accusations of sexual, religious and racial harassment, discrimination, assault and false imprisonment.
The lawsuit alleges the dancers were “forced to endure sexually denigrating behaviour” and were “pressured into participating in disturbing sex shows” between 2021 and 2023.
One of the claims against Lizzo is that she “pressured Ms Davis to touch the breasts” of a performer in a nightclub in Amsterdam, and Ms Davis – after resisting – eventually acquiesced “fearing it may harm her future on the team” if she didn’t do so.
She has also been accused, along with dance choreographer Tanisha Scott, of weight-shaming Ms Davies on tour.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges the dance team’s captain Shirlene Quigley, pushed her Christian beliefs on performers and derided those who engaged in premarital sex.
There are accusations of racial discrimination levelled at the production company Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc’s management team. The lawsuit alleges black members were treated differently and accused of being “lazy, unprofessional, and having bad attitudes.”