Singer Lizzo has landed herself into hot waters as she is being sued by three of her former dancers over several claims including sexual harassment and a body shaming.
The lawsuit which has been filed by former dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez includes accusations of sexual, religious, and racial harassment, discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment.
Lizzo and others who are accused have been approached for comment. The lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles, included allegations that the dancers were:
- Forced to endure sexually denigrating behaviour.
- Were pressured into participating in disturbing sex shows between 2021 and 2023.
Among the claims against Lizzo – whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson is known for celebrating her body and self-love. In the lawsuit, she is also accused, along with dance choreographer Tanisha Scott, of weight-shaming Davis on tour.
Read more: Did Kanye West just accuse Lizzo of promoting unhealthy lifestyle?
Additionally, the lawsuit alleged the dance team’s captain, Shirlene Quigley, pushed her Christian beliefs on performers and derided those who engaged in premarital sex. She is also accused of openly discussing one of the former dancers’ virginity, and posting about it on social media.
Accusations including racial discrimination are also levelled at production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc.’s management team. It alleges black members of the dance troop were “treated differently” to other members of the team.
The plaintiffs also alleged Lizzo and the production company team did not pay them fairly while on parts of Lizzo’s European tour.
They claim they were offered only 25% of their weekly compensatory pay during their time not performing on the tour, while other performers received 50% and they also claim they were told not to work on other projects while on tour.
The third, Rodriguez, was hired later in May 2021 to perform in Lizzo’s Rumours music video. She then remained part of the dance troop, it adds.
Davis and Williams were fired from the dance team, while Rodriguez later resigned over the alleged treatment of her fellow colleagues.
