Lizzo plays at Orange Stage at the Roskilde festival, in Roskilde , Denmark on Saturday July 1. 2023. (Photo: Helle Arensbak/Ritzau Scanpix) Ritzau Scanpix/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. DENMARK OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN DENMARK.
Lizzo is being sued by three former dancers for sexual harassment, assault, discrimination and creating a “hostile work environment.”
Deadline reports a complaint was filed on Tuesday (Aug. 1) in Los Angeles Superior Court by Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez. The dancers claim they were body-shamed, put through a “excruciating” audition after being accused of drinking on the job, and held to prohibitive “soft hold” retainers. The complaint names Lizzo a.k.a. Melissa Jefferson, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and the head of the performer’s dance team, Shrilene Quigley, in the suit. The former dancers also claim they were forced to attend and participate in sex shows and having their virginity mocked.
“As the headlining act of ‘The Special Tour’ it was clear that Lizzo was the ultimate decision-making authority and supervisor of Plaintiffs,” the filing states. “Additionally, as dance cast captain, Ms. Quigley also held a supervisory role within the production.” The suit adds, “At no point did anyone from BGBT management nor Lizzo’s step in to put an end to this inappropriate behavior. Accordingly, Defendants are strictly liable for Lizzo’s and Ms. Quigley’s harassing behavior.”
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