Lizzo has been sued by three former dancers who accuse the Grammy winner of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The civil lawsuit alleges that Lizzo pressured one of the dancers to engage with nude performers at a club in Amsterdam and shamed another dancer for her weight gain before firing her. The plaintiffs have made numerous charges including sexual, religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and names Lizzo, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and the captain of her dance team, Shirlene Quigley.
According to the court filing, after a concert in Amsterdam, Lizzo and her crew attended a sexually themed show where Lizzo pressured one of the dancers to touch the breasts of a nude performer. The dancers felt violated and disgusted by Lizzo’s disregard for their bodily autonomy. In addition, Lizzo is accused of calling out a dancer for her weight gain and firing her. The lawsuit also accuses Quigley of pushing her Christian beliefs onto the dancers, referring to one dancer as a “non-believer” and frequently discussing a dancer’s virginity.
Lizzo’s representatives have not responded to the lawsuit. Earlier this year, Lizzo won a Grammy for record of the year and recently concluded a global tour.
This lawsuit against Lizzo raises important issues regarding workplace harassment and the abusive treatment of employees. It is crucial that all individuals, regardless of their fame or success, are held accountable for their actions. Creating a safe and respectful work environment should be a priority for everyone. It is our hope that this lawsuit leads to a thorough investigation and justice for the plaintiffs involved.
