A trio of Lizzo‘s dancers, two of whom appeared on Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls as contestants, are suing the singer and musician for assault, sexual harassment, and discrimination.
What is Lizzo being sued for?
Deadline has reported that dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez are suing Lizzo for sexual harassment, assault, discrimination, and fostering a “hostile work environment.” The broad specific complaint was filed in L.A. Superior Court this morning, with both Lizzo and Shirlene Quigley — the head of Lizzo’s dance team — being named.
The outlet notes that the trio alleges they were “body shamed, put through a self-described ‘excruciating’ audition for their own jobs after drinking on the clock accusations and held to prohibitive ‘soft hold’ retainers,” as well as “forced to attend and participate in sex shows while on tour, having their virginity mocked, being subject to religious diatribes, and a case of ‘false imprisonment.'” The suit also claims that Williams, Davis, and other non-African American dancers faced racial discrimination from “the all-white management team.”
Williams and Davis were both contestants on Prime Video’s Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, leading them to tour with Lizzo. Williams and Davis were fired in early 2023, while Rodriguez quit back in May.
