Pop superstar Lizzo has been hit with a lawsuit by three of her former backup dancers, who allege that she created a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual misconduct between 2021 and 2023. In response, Lizzo has filed a motion requesting the court to dismiss the case, claiming that the dancers had exhibited a “pattern of gross misconduct.”
The filing alleges that the dancers had missed flights, arrived late and hungover to rehearsals, and even entered into consensual sexual relationships with male crew members on tour. Lizzo’s attorney, Martin D. Singer, has also stated that the dancers were given a “leg up” and an opportunity to take their careers to the next level.
In response to the accusations, Lizzo’s team has submitted 18 written declarations from the singer’s crew, including former dancers, managers, and band members. Zuri Appleby, the bassist, wrote that everyone on tour was concerned about one of the dancers because she was lax about her performances and her health, not because she had gained weight.
Meanwhile, the attorney for the three dancers, Neama Rahmani, believes that the motion filed by Lizzo is an attack on his clients’ free speech. He also added that they have dozens of independent witnesses who support their story, and more former Lizzo employees might join the lawsuit.
In January, 14 of Lizzo’s dancers reached a settlement with the singer over her 2022 documentary Love, Lizzo. The dancers argued that their scene discussing misogyny, racism, and weight-shaming was used without authorization. Lizzo’s lawyer has commented that the singer had nothing to do with the dispute and had no knowledge of it.
As the dispute continues, Lizzo’s lawyer has asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuit “in its entirety.” It remains to be seen how the court will rule.
Leave a Reply