Current:Home > ContactLizzo sued for alleged hostile work environment, harassment by former dancers -EliteFunds
Lizzo sued for alleged hostile work environment, harassment by former dancers
View
Date:2025-04-15 12:38:22
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! (619)
Related
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- With Lionel Messi in doubt, Chicago Fire offer credit to fans for sold-out game
- Two adopted children found locked in West Virginia barn with no water; adults charged with neglect
- The CFPB On Trial
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Draymond Green says Warriors 'lucky' to have Chris Paul, even if he's 'an (expletive)'
- Jill Biden urges women to get mammograms or other cancer exams during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- NFL power rankings Week 5: Bills, Cowboys rise after resounding wins
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Former US military pilot’s lawyer tells Sydney court that extradition hearing should be delayed
Ranking
- 'Most Whopper
- Judge denies Phoenix request seeking extra time to clean largest homeless encampment
- Ozone hole over Antarctica grows to one of the largest on record, scientists say
- New Mexico attorney general has charged a police officer in the shooting death of a Black man
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Canada’s House of Commons elects first Black speaker
- 2030 World Cup set to be hosted by Spain-Portugal-Morocco with 3 South American countries added
- Student loan borrowers are facing nightmare customer service issues, prompting outcry from states
Recommendation
Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
Costco started selling gold bars online and they keep selling out
Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and the ripple effect that will shape the 2023-24 NBA season
Tracking the challenges facing Ukrainian grain, all the way from farm to table
Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
'Made for this moment': Rookie star Royce Lewis snaps Twins' historic losing streak
Point of no return: Pope challenges leaders at UN talks to slow global warming before it’s too late
'The Voice': Niall Horan wins over 4-chair singer Laura Williams with fake marriage proposal