Lizzo Sued by Three Former Dancers

Lizzo Sued by Three Former Dancers

Lizzo is being sued by three former dancers — Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez — who claim they experienced a number of workplace violations while working for her, including sexual harassment, false imprisonment and interference with prospective economic advantage. All three women were contestants on Lizzo’s ‘Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.’

The lawsuit names Lizzo (born Melissa Viviane Jefferson); her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc.; and her dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, as the defendants. A number of accusations made are specifically directed at the singer. They claim they felt forced to attend nude shows while on the road in Paris and Amsterdam, and felt they’d lose their job if they didn’t. They also claim the singer goaded them to touch the dancers while in Amsterdam.

The suit also alleges that Lizzo accused them of drinking of the job and would routinely threaten to fire them. They also claim she made them re-audition for their spots in rehearsals that would last for hours. One of them claims she peed on herself onstage because she was scared to take a break.

One of the plaintiffs, Davis, accuses Lizzo of using her weight gain against her when criticizing her performance — despite knowing she had an eating disorder. Davis also accuses Quigley of forcing her Christian beliefs on her, calling her a “non-believer.”

Lizzo has not commented on the suit.