Lizzo Responds to Lawsuit From Former Employees
Earlier this week, three of Lizzo's former dancers filed a lawsuit against the singer, her dance captain and her production company, accusing them of creating a hostile work environment, sexual harassment and other claims. On Thursday, Lizzo issued her first public statement since the lawsuit was reported, asserting that she is neither a "victim" or a "villain" in the situation.
What they're saying: Plaintiffs Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez filed the lawsuit against Lizzo, real name Melissa Viviane Jefferson, Shirlene Quigley, captain of Lizzo’s dance team, and Lizzo's production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. They are alleging sexual, religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault and false imprisonment and other charges. The charges span from May 2021 to May 2023 and include being "weight-shamed, forced to endure sexually denigrating behavior and preaching about sexuality and Christianity, and were pressured into participating in disturbing sex shows," according a statement from West Coast Employment Lawyers, who are representing the plaintiffs.
Plaintiffs Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, Shirlene Quigley, the captain of Lizzo's dance team, and Lizzo's production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc. They are alleging sexual, religious, and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, false imprisonment, and other charges. The charges span from May 2021 to May 2023 and include being "weight-shamed, forced to endure sexually denigrating behavior, preaching about sexuality and Christianity, and were pressured into participating in disturbing sex shows," according to a statement from West Coast Employment Lawyers, who are representing the plaintiffs.
Following the lawsuit's reveal, multiple others who have worked with Lizzo spoke outto either support the plaintiffs, noting that they had experienced similar behavior as an employee of the singer, or to share their own claims.
What she's saying: "My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized," Lizzo wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. "Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to be addressed."
In what could be seen as an attempt to discredit her accusers, Lizzo added that the "sensationalized stories" are coming from "former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional."
"I take my music and my performances seriously because at the end of the day I only want to put out the best art that represents me and my fans. With passion comes hard work and high standards," she continued. "Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never been my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team."