On August 1, three of Lizzo’s former tour dancers — Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez — filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles accusing the chart-topping singer, her company Big Grrl Big Touring, Inc. and her dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, of sexual harassment, creation of a hostile work environment, false imprisonment and interference with prospective economic advantage. The suit, which contains nine charges spanning from May 2021 to May 2023, states that the dancers were “weight-shamed, forced to endure sexually denigrating behavior and preaching about sexuality and Christianity, and were pressured into participating in disturbing sex shows,” per the plaintiff’s lawyers.
On Thursday, Lizzo, who has long been celebrated for championing body positivity, issued a statement in regard to the lawsuit, claiming that her former dancer’s accusations are “false” and “outrageous.”
“The last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” she wrote on Instagram. “My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.”
Lizzo added that she has “always been passionate” about her work and that she takes her “music and [her] performances seriously.” “With passion comes hard work and high standards,” she continued. “Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team.”
She said that she does not want to be “looked at as a victim” but that she is also not the “villain.” She added, “I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not.”
“I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.” She concluded, “I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this.”
In response to Lizzo’s statement, West Coast Employment Lawyers (WCEL) attorney Ron Sambrano said that her “denial of this reprehensible behavior” has only contributed to his client’s “emotional distress.”
“The dismissive comments and utter lack of empathy are quite telling about her character and only serve to minimize the trauma she has caused the plaintiffs and other employees who have now come forward sharing their own negative experiences,” he added. “While Lizzo notes it was never her intention ‘to make anyone feel uncomfortable,’ that is exactly what she did to the point of demoralizing her dancers and flagrantly violating the law.”
Elsewhere, Cardi B is under investigation for battery after throwing her microphone at a concert attendee.
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