Entertainment
Lizzo Denies Sexual Harassment Claims from Former Dancers
By Jake Beardslee · August 4, 2023
In brief…
- Lizzo faces a lawsuit from three former backup dancers alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.
- The dancers claim Lizzo pressured them to partipate in overly sexualized parties and made inappropriate comments about their weight.
- Lizzo denied the allegations on Instagram, claiming she's been falsely portrayed and would never body shame or fire someone over their weight.
Grammy award-winning singer Lizzo is facing a lawsuit from three former backup dancers accusing her of sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment. Dancers Ariana Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noel Rodriguez filed the lawsuit Tuesday alleging Lizzo pressured them to participate in overly sexualized parties and made inappropriate comments about their weight.
Plaintiff Crystal Williams told ABC News that working with Lizzo was “a very, very heartbreaking experience to go through just because we looked up to this woman.” Fellow plaintiff Ariana Davis voiced fear of retaliation, saying, “We can’t really say no when there’s this sense of authority and power over you at all times.”
The third plaintiff, Noel Rodriguez, claimed that when she resigned this spring, Lizzo “proceeded to prove all of those things right by balling up her fist and saying, ‘You’re so effing lucky.’” Rodriguez alleges Lizzo was “basically alluding to hitting me.”
In response to the allegations, Lizzo stated on Instagram, “I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.”
The lawsuit comes as a surprise to many fans, as Lizzo has built her brand on messages of body positivity and self love. However, the three accusers paint a starkly different picture of the star’s behind-the-scenes behavior. The case will likely continue generating headlines as Lizzo defends herself against the unsettling claims.