In a shocking development, ace Pop-star Lizzo has been accused of sexual harassment, weight shaming, and creating a hostile work environment for her team by three former dancers of her group. Lizzo who is one of the widely known pop stars of Hollywood, is facing a series of serious accusations including sexual, religious, and racial harassment, discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment. The three dancers namely- Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez have filed the lawsuit against Lizzo and others. Lizzo sexual harassment case was filed in Los Angeles, including allegations the dancers were "forced to endure sexually denigrating behaviour" and were "pressured into participating in disturbing sex shows" between 2021 and 2023. Now, the question arises what did Lizzo do? Below is what the complaints allege-
What did Lizzo do?
As per reports which cited the lawsuit filed by dancers, Lizzo "pressured Ms Davis to touch the breasts" of a performer in a nightclub in Amsterdam, and Ms Davis - after resisting - eventually acquiesced "fearing it may harm her future on the team" if she didn't do so. Lizzo whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson is known for embracing her body and portraying self-love. However, Lizzo has been accused of weight shaming as well in the lawsuit. Lizzo and dance choreographer Tanisha Scott have been of weight-shaming Ms Davis on tour.
As per Arianna Davis, Lizzo and Tanisha questioned her whether she was "struggling with something as she seemed less committed to her role on the dance cast". Davis clarifies that though she never explicitly stated, the questions "gave Ms Davis the impression that she needed to explain her weight gain and disclose intimate personal details about her life in order to keep her job." Not only this, the lawsuit also accuse dance team's captain Shirlene Quigley that she imposed her Christian beliefs on performers and humiliated those who engaged in premarital sex. Also, Shirlene has been accused of openly discussing one of the former dancers' virginity, and posting about it on social media.
Production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc.'s management team has also been accused of racial discrimination. The complaint suggests that black members of the dance troop were "treated differently" to other members of the team. The 'black' dancers were accused of being "lazy, unprofessional, and having bad attitudes." Notably, Lizzo and the production company have also been accused of not paying the dancers fairly. As per the dancers complaint, they were offered only 25% of their weekly compensatory pay during their time not performing on the tour, while other performers received 50%.
For the unversed, the two complainants Arianna Davis and Crystal William met the pop star Lizzo in March 2021 while preparing to compete on the reality TV show Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls. On the other hand, Rodriguez was hired later in May 2021 to perform in Lizzo's Rumours music video. Notably. Davis and Williams were fired from the dance team, on the other hand, Rodriguez later resigned over the alleged treatment of her fellow colleagues.
What did fans say about Lizzo's sexual harassment case?
A user wrote, "I have issue believing people who didn't say anything when they were harassed but then wanna turn around and play victims for a payday."
Another user wrote, "Welcome To Hollywood..In every field there is Predators Abusers."