Lizzo’s Dancers Share Loving Tribute to Her Amid Legal Battle
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Lizzo—who’s made a name for herself for promoting female empowerment, good vibes, and body positivity in her music and in her life—is being sued by a group of her former backup dancers, who claim she sexually and verbally harassed them, and even made negative comments about their weight.
The “About Damn Time” singer broke her silence this week on the allegations. Ahead, everything we know about the case.
When was the lawsuit filed?
The lawsuit, sent to Harper’s Bazaar by the plaintiffs’ law firm, was filed this Tuesday, August 1, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, by three of Lizzo’s former backup dancers: Arianna Davis, Noelle Rodriguez, and Crystal Williams. It was filed against Lizzo; her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc.; and her dance team captain, Shirlene Quigley.
What are the accusations against Lizzo?
In the suit, Davis, Rodriguez, and Williams detail various alleged incidents involving the singer, including an occasion when they claim Lizzo coerced them into attending a group outing at a club in Amsterdam’s red-light district and then pressured them to touch nude performers during the show.
Davis also accused Lizzo of shaming her about gaining weight, which she says Lizzo knew was a result of stress eating brought on by anxiety and depression. Lizzo has since denied this claim, in a statement shared to social media. “There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world,” the singer wrote. “I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.”
What are the accusations against the other parties?
The plaintiffs accuse Quigley, the dance team captain, of shaming staffers who do not share her Christian beliefs, including those who practice premarital sex. They also claim that meanwhile, she regularly overshares about her “masturbatory habits” and sexual fantasies.
Davis adds that after she shared with Quigley that she was a virgin, Quigley broadcast that private information in interviews and on social media without Davis’s permission.
The dancers also claim they were discriminated against by BGBT management, who allegedly “treated the Black members of the dance team differently than other members.”
What has Lizzo said about the claims?
On Thursday, August 3, the pop star shared a lengthy statement on social media defending herself against the accusations and deeming them “outrageous.”
“These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelming disappointing,” she began. “My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to be addressed.”
She said the claims were made by former employees who were reprimanded for their “inappropriate” behavior. And she added that while she doesn’t want to be seen as a “victim,” she is also “not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days.”
How did the dancers react to her statement?
In a statement shared to Bazaar.com on Thursday, the plaintiffs accuse Lizzo of causing more harm than good with her response to their claims.
“Lizzo has failed her own brand and has let down her fans. Her denial of this reprehensible behavior only adds to our clients’ emotional distress,” the statement from the plaintiffs’ attorney reads. “The dismissive comments and utter lack of empathy are quite telling about her character and only serve to minimize the trauma she has caused the plaintiffs and other employees who have now come forward sharing their own negative experiences. While Lizzo notes it was never her intention ‘to make anyone feel uncomfortable,’ that is exactly what she did to the point of demoralizing her dancers and flagrantly violating the law.”
The former backup dancers also spoke to Entertainment Tonight about the singer’s comments.
“I think for me, it’s just very interesting to be so open and genuine about the trauma that we experienced and to be open about the hurt that she caused us, for her to [respond back by] essentially gaslighting us,” Williams told the outlet.
“She never acknowledged any of the claims [directly] that we have brought forward to the table. And so for it to be met with that, it just kind of solidifies the pattern that every time we bring up an issue, every time we advocate for ourselves, every time we speak up for ourselves, we’re met with retaliation instead of ‘Okay, you experienced this,’” Williams said. “But we weren’t met with that. We were constantly being gaslit, and she’s constantly deflecting. So it just further proves our point and solidifies the claims that we’re making.”
What have her other dancers said?
While Lizzo's other dancers have remained mostly silent amid the legal drama, they did share a statement honoring the singer on August 17.
"We have had the time of our lives on The Special Tour," the Big Grrrls dance crew posted on their official Instagram account. "We have been so honored to share the stage with such amazing talent. This tour experience has been beyond just #Special! The commitment to character and culture taking precedence over every movement and moment has been one of the Greatest lessons and Blessings that we could possibly ask for."
The post also includes a video featuring memorable moments from The Special Tour.
The statement continues, "THANK YOU to Lizzo for shattering limitations and kicking in the door way for the Big Grrrl & Big Boiii Dancers to do what we love! You have created a platform where we have been able to parallel our Passion with a purpose! Not only for Us, but for Women and All people breaking Barriers. We've been traveling and exploring new horizons of the world. So many advantages to prevailing over hardships that society and the entertainment and beauty industry can bring... So Grateful that the standards and existence of Beauty in THIS Team goes beyond the surface! Our collective gifts have authentically powered the type of energy, love and that support can physiologically help heal the world. We are a unit of unicorns, undeniably resilient and SPECIAL AF."
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