Somto Bisina
Pop superstar Lizzo, known for promoting body positivity and self-empowerment, is facing a legal battle as three former tour dancers file a lawsuit against her and Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc.
The plaintiffs allege that Lizzo and her team subjected them to a hostile work environment, including instances of sexual harassment, racial and religious discrimination, and assault. The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, paints a troubling picture of the artist and her production company’s behavior during their tour.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe lawsuit claims that Lizzo and her team engaged in inappropriate conduct during their tour, pressuring the dancers to participate in sexually explicit acts at sex shows.
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In one disturbing incident in Amsterdam, the staff was allegedly coerced into interacting with nude performers, an act that left the dancers deeply uncomfortable. According to the complaint, Lizzo went as far as encouraging the dancers to touch the breasts of one of the nude performers, creating an uncomfortable and humiliating environment.
The lawsuit also highlights instances of racial and religious harassment within the tour. One of the plaintiffs, Crystal Williams, claims that she was singled out as a non-believer by the captain of Lizzo’s dance team, Shirlene Quigley, who allegedly monitored another dancer’s virginity.
The complaint suggests that religious beliefs were subtly enforced upon the dancers, making engagement in prayer seem compulsory.
Despite being an advocate for body positivity, Lizzo allegedly subjected one of the plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, to probing questions about her weight gain.
The suit claims that Lizzo’s comments about Davis’ weight during a previous music festival led her to believe she needed to explain her weight gain to keep her job. Such actions contradict Lizzo’s message of self-acceptance and inclusivity.
The complaint further accuses Lizzo of assault, stating that she approached one of the dancers, Noelle Rodriguez, aggressively with profanity-laden threats and physical gestures. The incident escalated to the point where Lizzo had to be restrained by others.
Additionally, Arianna Davis claims she was falsely imprisoned when she was confined to a room and not allowed to leave until she submitted her phone for inspection.
