Pop star Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, and production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. are facing a legal battle as three of her former dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles.
The lawsuit accuses Lizzo, dance choreographer Tanisha Scott, and the production company’s management team of various claims, including sexual harassment, racial discrimination, religious harassment, assault, false imprisonment, and body shaming.
According to the allegations, the dancers were subjected to sexually denigrating behavior and pressured into participating in disturbing sex shows between 2021 and 2023. Lizzo is specifically accused of weight-shaming Davis during the tour, despite her public image of promoting body positivity and self-love.
Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that the dance team’s captain, Shirlene Quigley, forced her Christian beliefs on the performers, derided those who engaged in premarital sex, and openly discussed one of the former dancers’ virginity, even posting about it on social media.
The plaintiffs also assert that black members of the dance troop were treated differently and faced racial discrimination within the production company’s management team.
The lawsuit additionally alleges that the dancers were not fairly compensated during their time on Lizzo’s European tour. They claim to have received only 25% of their weekly pay while not performing, while other performers received 50%. They were also allegedly discouraged from working on other projects while on tour.
One of the former dancers, Noelle Rodriguez, was hired in May 2021 for Lizzo’s Rumours music video and later became a part of the dance troop. However, Davis and Williams were fired from the team, and Rodriguez eventually resigned due to the alleged mistreatment of her colleagues.
Lizzo and the accused parties have been approached for comment regarding the lawsuit. The legal proceedings are expected to shed light on the serious allegations raised by the former dancers, and the case will be closely watched by the public and the music industry.
