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Defendants in the lawsuit include Lizzo; her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc.; and Shirlene Quigley, the tour’s dance captain.Credit...Amy Harris/Invision, via Associated Press
Grammy-winning artist Lizzo is facing a lawsuit filed by three former dancers who claim to have experienced a hostile work environment and harassment during their time as members of the singer's dance team.
The complaint, which was submitted to Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday and obtained by CNN through the plaintiffs' attorney, also includes Lizzo's production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT), and a person referred to as the "dance cast captain" as additional defendants.
The lawsuit outlines several allegations, including one of the plaintiffs being allegedly encouraged by Lizzo to "take turns touching the nude performers" while at a club in Amsterdam's Red Light District during a tour in February. Despite expressing reluctance, the plaintiff eventually felt compelled to comply due to fears of retaliation.
Another plaintiff claims that Lizzo questioned her commitment to the dance team and made "thinly veiled" remarks about her "weight gain." This reportedly put pressure on the plaintiff to divulge personal details about her life to retain her job.
The complaint also alleges instances of racial and religious discrimination by individuals associated with Lizzo. One such claim involves an accountant from BGBT's primarily White management team allegedly scolding Black dancers for "unacceptable and disrespectful" behavior on tour, leading to accusations of racial and fat-phobic animus.
It is important to note that Lizzo is known for her advocacy of body positivity and empowering messages, which form an integral part of her work.
As the case progresses, further investigation will be necessary to ascertain the veracity of the claims and determine the extent of accountability of the parties involved. Lizzo's reputation as a proponent of positive messaging and her commitment to promoting inclusivity and empowerment may be scrutinized amidst the legal proceedings.
