Current:Home > ScamsLizzo sued for alleged hostile work environment, harassment by former dancers -Mastery Money Tools
Lizzo sued for alleged hostile work environment, harassment by former dancers
View
Date:2025-04-15 08:44:52
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! (7)
Related
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Panicked about plunging stock market? You can beat Wall Street by playing their own game.
- It Ends With Us Actress Isabela Ferrer Shares Sweet Way Blake Lively Helped With Her Red Carpet Look
- US women will be shut out of medals in beach volleyball as Hughes, Cheng fall to Swiss
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- New York City’s freewheeling era of outdoor dining has come to end
- What investors should do when there is more volatility in the market
- Georgia property owners battle railroad company in ongoing eminent domain case
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Why is 'Brightwood' going viral now? Here's what's behind the horror sensation
Ranking
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Johnny Wactor Shooting: Police Release Images of Suspects in General Hospital Star's Death
- It Ends With Us Actress Isabela Ferrer Shares Sweet Way Blake Lively Helped With Her Red Carpet Look
- Maryland’s Moore joins former US Sen. Elizabeth Dole to help veterans
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Powerball winning numbers for August 5 drawing: jackpot rises to $185 million
- Alligator spotted in Lake Erie? Officials investigate claim.
- U.S. women's water polo grinds out win for a spot in semifinals vs. Australia
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Why Kit Harington Thinks His and Rose Leslie's Kids Will Be Very Uncomfortable Watching Game of Thrones
Dolce & Gabbana introduces fragrance mist for dogs: 'Crafted for a playful beauty routine'
Republican activist becomes first person to be convicted in Arizona’s fake elector case
Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
2024 Olympics: Ryan Lochte Reveals Why U.S. Swimmers Can’t Leave the Village During Games
Pitbull Stadium: 'Mr. Worldwide' buys naming rights for FIU football stadium
Save an Extra 20% on West Elm Sale Items, 60% on Lounge Underwear, 70% on Coach Outlet & More Deals