NEW YORK: Pop star Lizzo has vehemently denied the harassment allegations leveled against her in a lawsuit filed by three of her former dancers, calling the accusations “as unbelievable as they sound.” The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, accuses Lizzo of labor law violations, including weight-shaming and sexual harassment.
The suit alleges that Lizzo pressured her dancers to attend an Amsterdam red-light district sex show and interact with nude performers, causing discomfort to the dancers. It also claims that Lizzo’s dance leader, Shirlene Quigley, made sexual comments and promoted her Christian beliefs, which included criticism of pre-marital sex, despite objections from the dancers.
Responding to the allegations, Lizzo took to social media to express her shock and disappointment, stating that she usually chooses not to respond to false allegations but found these accusations too outrageous not to address. She emphasized that the sensationalized stories were coming from former employees who had previously admitted to being told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.
Accusations Against Pop Star Lizzo
The lawsuit also implicates white managers from Lizzo’s production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., alleging that they unfairly targeted the Black members of the dance team with accusations of laziness, unprofessionalism, and bad attitudes.
In her statement, Lizzo expressed her commitment to respecting women’s rights and denounced body shaming, denying any intention of criticizing or terminating an employee because of their weight. She also acknowledged the overwhelming support she has received during this difficult time.
However, Ron Zambrano, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, criticized Lizzo’s response, stating that she had failed her own brand by showing an “utter lack of empathy.” He maintained that Lizzo’s denial of the alleged behavior had further distressed his clients.
The accusations against Lizzo came as a surprise to many, considering her public messages of self-love and body positivity. The ongoing lawsuit has raised serious concerns about the treatment of dancers and employees in the entertainment industry, highlighting the need for a safe and respectful work environment for all.
