Behind the Scenes of Lizzo's Legal Battle: Shocking Claims Surface!
Behind the Scenes of Lizzo's Legal Battle: Shocking Claims Surface!
Updated on August 10, 2023 13:04 PM by Andrew Koschiev
Three former back-up dancers to Lizzo who sued the rapper and singer for sexual harassment and discrimination have come out to reiterate their point after she denied their allegations.
The three women addressed Lizzo's denial of wrongdoing in a statement to DailyMail.com from their attorney, Ron Zambrano which reads, '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,' he wrote.
Allegations and Complaint Details
The three back up dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez publicly addressed Lizzo's denial on Newsmax on Thursday morning with their attorney to refute Lizzo claims that they were just unsatisfied employees who got sanctioned for bad behavior and we're trying to retaliate by dragging her name through the mud.
The Plaintiffs Davis, Williams and Rodriguez have accused Lizzo and the Big Grrrl Big Touring and dance team captain Shirlene Quigley of creating a 'sexually charged and uncomfortable' work environment in their lawsuit.
In one instance given by the trio, the rapper while on a concert trip to Amsterdam in February took them to a strip club and coarsed them into eating bananas from the Virginas of the performance even when they tried to protest.
They also added that the Lizzo was fond of making sexually sensitive comments and made them feel small with her constant insults.
Add Block
Attorney's Response and Lizzo's Statement
Ron Zambrano, the plaintiffs' attorney, said in a statement: '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.'
While in response to these accusations, Lizzo wrote in a statement: 'These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing.
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 to not be addressed." Completely refuting the allegations and avoiding responsibility.
Impact and Implications
Following these accusations Lizzo has lot thousands of fans globally. From counts made by fans, she lost more than 120,000 followers on Instagram while on X formally known as Twitter she has lost over 14,000 followers in just a few days.
Also just hours after the suit became public, Beyonce left out her name from the lyrics of her remixed version of Break My Soul.
The lyric mentioning Lizzo goes: 'Betty Davis, Solange Knowles / [Erykah Badu], Lizzo, Kelly Rowl' (You know you can do it).' but in a concert performance Beyonce completely left out her name.
These occurrences goes to show how promoting a negative work environment can come to bite you in the back. Especially for Lizzo who claimed to be a body positivity activist yet did all the wrong things she preached against.
Add Block
Media and Public Response
After Lizzo statement released on Instagram she has refused to give any official interview to any media house. CNN reached out to a representative for Lizzo and Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. seeking comment on the complaints however they have been met with radio silence.
Lizzo on the other hand has taken to social media to refute the statements and have said she is in complete shock of the allegations sent against her
Add Block
Legal Process and Potential Outcomes
The Plaintiffs Davis, Williams and Rodriguez in August 1st sued the rapper and the Big Grrrl Big Touring and dance team captain Shirlene Quigley for sexual harassment and hostile work environment.
If the accused are found guilty of the charges stipulated in the suit, depending on the court they might be asked to pay a huge fine or face a mild jail term. In an event that the case goes in favour of Lizzo the case may be completely dismissed.
Cultural Context and Industry Standards
Recently talks have been in place to improve work environment and more strict rules are been put in place to sanction the acts toxicity in the work place.
Other celebrities have also weighed in on the issue with Lizzo. Hours after the lawsuit news was made public, Lizzo's former creative director Quinn Whitney Wilson and dancer Courtney Hollinquest claimed they experienced similar mistreatment.
Courtney said on her Instagram on Tuesday: 'For clarification, I'm not a part of the lawsuit – but this was very much my experience in my time there”. Adding that the toxicity of the environment was why she had to stop working with singer.
Conclusion
As we watch the scences of the law suit unfold, many have come to believe that the singer/rapper has indeed painted a facade Which is now being stripped off by her former back up dancers.
The three back up dancers in the early month of August sued Lizzo for sexual harassment and hostile work environment. Since then over four other former workers of the singer has also stepped up to back up the former dancers claims.
Also Read: NewJean’s EP Debuts at No. 1, Lizzo Responds to Sexual Harassment Lawsuit, and Many More!