Lawsuit by former dancers accuses Lizzo of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment

Lizzo, the Grammy-winning singer, and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., are facing a civil lawsuit filed by three former dancers. The plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, have accused Lizzo of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

According to the legal complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the dancers allege that Lizzo pressured them to interact with nude performers at a club in Amsterdam. During the show, Lizzo even led a chant pressuring one of the dancers, Arianna Davis, to touch the breasts of a nude performer. The dancers felt uncomfortable and humiliated by Lizzo’s actions, especially given her public stance on body positivity.

In addition to the sexual harassment claims, the lawsuit also includes accusations of religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment. One of the plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, was reportedly fired in May after recording a meeting where Lizzo gave notes to the dancers about their performances. Lizzo allegedly criticized Davis for her weight gain and accused her of not being committed to her role.

Furthermore, the lawsuit also involves Shirlene Quigley, the captain of Lizzo’s dance team and a judge on the singer’s reality show “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.” Quigley is accused of imposing her Christian beliefs on the dancers and referring to Arianna Davis as a “non-believer.” She allegedly stated that nothing would stop her from talking about her faith.

The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages in the lawsuit. As of now, Lizzo and her representatives have not provided any comment on the matter. This legal action comes after Lizzo’s recent success, including winning a Grammy for “Record of the Year” for her hit song “About Damn Time” and concluding a global tour supporting her fourth studio album, “Special,” in the previous year (2022).