Pop sensation Lizzo is embroiled in a legal battle as three of her former dancers filed a lawsuit against her, alleging various misconduct, harassment, and discrimination. The legal action includes accusations of sexual, religious, and racial harassment, as well as claims of fat-shaming and creating a hostile work environment.
Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez are the former dancers who have come forward with their claims against Lizzo, her dance captain Shirlene Quigley, and her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring (BGBT). The allegations span from 2021 to 2023 and involve instances where dancers were allegedly coerced into attending sex shows and engaging with performers against their will.
One of the dancers, Arianna Davis, claims that during a tour in Europe, she was pressured to touch the breasts of a performer in a nightclub in Amsterdam, fearing that her refusal could jeopardize her position on the team. The lawsuit also accuses Lizzo and dance choreographer Tanisha Scott of fat-shaming Ms. Davis, raising concerns about her commitment to the tour based on her weight gain.
Furthermore, the legal documents assert that staff at BGBT treated the full-figured women of color dancers differently, with racial and fat-phobic animus. Allegations of religious discrimination also emerge, claiming that Shirlene Quigley pushed her Christian beliefs onto performers and derided those engaging in premarital sex.
Apart from the harassment and discriminatory claims, the dancers allege that they were not fairly compensated during the European tour, being offered only 25% of their weekly pay as a retainer while not performing. They also claim they were discouraged from taking other jobs during these breaks.
Lizzo and her team have been approached for a comment on the matter, but the singer has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.
-BBC-
