Lawsuit Against Lizzo
The former singer Lizzo is now facing 6 new fresh allegations of prior backup dancers for sexual harassment. After three of her most recent backup dancer, who she fired prior to the lawsuit. Accused Lizzo and sued her for sexual harassment in the work environment.
The three recent backup dancers who sued Lizzo are Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez. As for the six new complaints. They are coming from people who claimed to have toured with Lizzo, either as backup dancers or on the pop star’s Amazon Studios show.
These six new allegations are accusing Lizzo of a “sexually charged environment” and failure to pay employees, as lawyer Ron Zambrano added. Zambrano specializes in employment law. And he is also the one representing backup dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez.
The three backup dancers mentioned above are suing Lizzo for exposing them to weight shaming, sexually denigrating behavior, and participation in disturbing sex shows. Additionally, other actions which the dancers claimed made them uncomfortable involve racism and religious discrimination.
Speaking Out
The three backup dancers have already spoken up about the issue and addressed it in numerous interviews. Showing, they will not stay quiet and will back up their claims no matter what.
For Instance, backup dancer Davis says that one of the unpleasant experiences she had to endure from Lizzo. Involved Lizzo body shaming her for being plus-size. Davis said in an interview, “I know it’s alarming to hear that Lizzo, a plus-size woman who preaches body positivity, would be fat-phobic, essentially. But I want to challenge people to understand that hurt people, hurt people.”
Furthermore, another of the evidence against Lizzo comes from Rodriguez. She claims that after speaking with Lizzo about leaving the Job because she was feeling “unsafe” and “disrespected.” Lizzo attacked her and threatened her. Rodriguez said, “Lizzo basically started to ball up her fists and crack her knuckles, and she was like “You’re so effin lucky right now” as she’s like inching her way towards me.”
Arianna Davis also spoke about the incident in was she was forced to touch a nude performer on stage. An incident that happen against her will as she had said “no” multiple times before going on stage. Davis said, “Lizzo started a chant, after I said ‘no’ multiple times,” Davis said, explaining how Lizzo began to chant her name, “Ari.” Ultimately, leading to Davis going on stage by force.
These are just a few of the claims and complaints against Lizzo. Complaints have led her and put her in the unstable position she is in right now.
What Does Lizzo Have to Say
As of right now, Lizzo has only issued one response to the controversy, in which, as is to be expected, she claims all the allegations of “Sexual Harassments” are false. Also, saying that the claims against her need to be addressed since they are affecting her work ethic, morals, and respectfulness.
Lizzo addressed the body shaming accusations, saying, “There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. 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.”
Lizzo also stated, without directly addressing the employees involved in the lawsuit that, “the allegations are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”
The lawsuit is still in ongoing progress as of right now, with more claims added to the issue each day. Further affecting Lizzo and damaging her reputation even more.
Written By Nohemi Sanchez
Sources:
Page Six: Lizzo faces sexual harassment allegations from six more former employees
Daily Mail: Lizzo faces fresh allegations of a ‘sexually charged environment’ from at least six more people who toured with her
Billboard: Lawyers in Lizzo sexual harassment suit by former dancers say six more people have contacted them
Featured Image Courtesy of David Shankbone Flickr Page – Public Domain
Inset Image Courtesy of David Shankbone Flickr Page – Public Domain
