Singer Lizzo Accused of Sexual Harassment and Workplace Weight-Shaming By Former Dancers

Lizzo Accused Of Sexual Harassment: Three of Lizzo's background dancers have leveled accusations of sexual harassment and weight-shaming against the Grammy-winning singer.

These dancers in a lawsuit have claimed that Lizzo contributed to a holistic work environment with instances of sexual, racial, and religious harassment. These claims were made in the legal complaint filed on July 1, between the years 2021 and 2023.

Among the allegations, it is stated that Lizzo criticized a dancer for her recent weight gain and subsequently subjected her to verbal abuse before terminating her employment. Interestingly, Lizzo is known for her advocacy of body positivity.

As per NBC News, the lawsuit, submitted in Los Angeles, details an incident in which Lizzo allegedly pressurered one of the dancers into touching a nude performer at a nightclub in Amsterdam. Additionally, the lawsuit accuses Lizzo of falsely accusing several dancers of consuming alcohol during work hours, followed by subjecting them to a 12-hour audition process.

The lawsuit also mentions Lizzo's dance captain, Shirlene Quigley as the dancers claimed that Quigley criticized those who engaged in premarital sex and attempted to impose her Christian beliefs on fellow dancers. Allegations include the simulation of explicit sexual acts and the sharing of lewd sexual fantasies.

It is even suggested that Quigley discussed the sexual history of one performer. It is still uncertain if Lizzo already knew about the allegations against Quigley. However, the plaintiffs' lawyer, representing Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, has indicated that they believe Lizzo was aware of the complaints against Quigley.

The lawsuit mentions Lizzo, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and Shirlene as defendants. The range of claims includes sexual harassment, the establishment of a hostile work environment, false imprisonment, and interference with potential economic opportunities. It is worth noting that not every claim is brought against each defendant.

Ron Zambrano, the plaintiffs' attorney in a statement said, "The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralizing."