Current:Home > NewsLizzo sued for alleged hostile work environment, harassment by former dancers -GrowthInsight
Lizzo sued for alleged hostile work environment, harassment by former dancers
EchoSense Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-10 13:47:50
Grammy-award winning singer Lizzo is being sued by three of her former dancers for alleged harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
The complaint was filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Lizzo, whose legal name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, as well as her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT).
Shirlene Quigley, captain of Lizzo's dance team, is also named in the complaint.
Dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez allege "sexual, religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault and false imprisonment," according to the press release about the lawsuit from the plaintiffs' attorney Ron Zambrano.
"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," said Zambrano.
MORE: Lizzo takes on size-ism in new show and album
The complaint alleges that Lizzo pressured her dancers to engage in a nude photo shoot during Lizzo's "Watch Out for the Big Grrrls" dance competition show on Amazon Prime, as well as attend nude performances and touch nude performers at clubs in the Red Light District in Amsterdam.
Dancers also say they were "tricked" into going to a nude cabaret bar by Lizzo, claiming she concealed details about the event they were attending.
Plaintiffs also accuse BGBT management of discriminating against the Black members of the dance team in both pay and treatment.
MORE: Lizzo talks new show, new music and why fight against body shamers continues
Davis also asserts that Lizzo and her team made negative comments alluding to her weight gain.
The dancers also accuse Quigley of preaching Christianity and against premarital sex in the workplace, "while oversharing her masturbatory habits and sex life with her husband," according to the press release. She is also accused of broadcasting a dancer's virginity in the workplace, as well as in interviews and social media.
Davis and Williams say they were fired, while Rodriguez resigned over the alleged workplace climate.
When Rodriguez resigned, she said "Lizzo aggressively approached Ms. Rodriquez, cracking her knuckles, balling her fists" and "feared that Lizzo intended to hit her and would have done so if one of the other dancers had not intervened."
The "Truth Hurts" pop star is known for her body positive activism and upbeat pop music about self-love.
Lizzo's representatives, BGBT and Quigley have not yet returned ABC News' requests for comment.
veryGood! (84)
Related
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Congo captain Chancel Mbemba subjected to online racist abuse after Africa Cup game against Morocco
- NFL schedule today: Everything to know about playoff games on Jan. 21
- 11-month-old baby boy burned to death from steam of radiator in Brooklyn apartment: NYPD
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Trump celebrates DeSantis’ decision to drop out, ending a bitter feud that defined the 2024 campaign
- Retrial set to begin for man who fatally shot ex-Saints star after traffic collision
- Elle King under fire for performing Dolly Parton cover 'hammered': 'Ain't getting your money back'
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says not to assume about what the next election is going to bring
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Trump may testify in sex abuse defamation trial, but the court has limited what he can say
- Convicted killer attacked by victim's stepdad during sentencing in California courtroom
- 23 lost skiers and snowboarders rescued in frigid temperatures in Killington, Vermont
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Nikki Haley says Trump tried to buddy up with dictators while in office
- Millions in the UK are being urged to get vaccinations during a surge in measles cases
- Nikki Haley says Trump tried to buddy up with dictators while in office
Recommendation
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
Caitlin Clark collides with court-storming fan after Iowa's loss to Ohio State
French protesters ask Macron not to sign off on an immigration law with a far-right footprint
Abortion opponents at March for Life appreciate Donald Trump, but seek a sharper stance on the issue
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
Stabbing in Austin leaves one person dead and two injured
4 rescued and 2 dead in crash of private Russian jet in Afghanistan, the Taliban say
Prosecutors say Kansas couple lived with dead relative for 6 years, collected over $216K in retirement benefits