Former Tour Dancers Accuse Lizzo of Hostile Work Environment and Sexual Harassment in Troubling Legal Battle
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Renowned singer Lizzo finds herself at the center of a serious legal battle, as three former tour dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez have taken legal action against her, citing claims of a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and various other disturbing allegations.
Specific claims made against Lizzo and her dance captain Shirlene Quigley in a lawsuit filed by her ex-dancers:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 1, 2023
Lizzo:
• Accused of overworking dancers and making the group re-audition in an “excruciating” 12-hour rehearsal. Those she was “dissatisfied with” would be fired… pic.twitter.com/PxH6jgGhMh
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, makes troubling accusations against Lizzo and employees of Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc. According to the plaintiffs, they were subjected to body-shaming and pressured into participating in explicit acts during adult shows while on tour. In one incident in Amsterdam, they were allegedly encouraged to interact with nude performers in a highly inappropriate manner.
Moreover, Lizzo is accused of making thinly veiled comments about weight gain, leaving the dancers feeling compelled to disclose intimate personal details in order to keep their jobs. Religious harassment and discrimination are also alleged, with Shirlene Quigley, the head of Lizzo’s dance team, reportedly monitoring one dancer’s virginity and singling out another as a non-believer.
The lawsuit includes distressing accounts of physical confrontation, where Lizzo is said to have behaved aggressively, with restraining measures required to defuse tense situations. False imprisonment claims are also brought forward, recounting an incident where one dancer was allegedly confined to a room and had her phone contents searched without consent.
Lizzo’s role as the ultimate decision-making authority and supervisor of the dancers is emphasized in the complaint, holding her and Ms. Quigley strictly responsible for the alleged harassment. Notably, the lawsuit points out that Lizzo’s management failed to intervene and address the inappropriate behavior, potentially making them liable as well.
The lawsuit also highlights allegations of racial discrimination from the all-white management team. Specific instances of derogatory comments and a humiliating public firing of one dancer underscore the hostile work environment.As this legal battle unfolds, Lizzo’s representatives are yet to provide a response, leaving fans and the public waiting for their side of the story. The allegations raise important questions about the treatment of artists’ supporting crew in the entertainment industry and the need for ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all.
This case has garnered significant attention and has the potential to spark broader conversations about workplace conditions, accountability, and safeguarding the rights of artists’ teams, including dancers. As developments emerge, the industry will be closely watching to see the impact of this lawsuit on Lizzo’s career and the overall discourse surrounding such issues in the entertainment world.
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