(USNewsMag.com) – The singer known as Lizzo, whose legal name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is being sued for harassment based on sex, religion, race, and disability. Former dancers Arianna Davis, Noelle Rodriguez, and Crystal Williams filed the complaints.
The dancers were allegedly treated differently from other staff and crew members during the tour, according to the complainants.
The defendants in the case are the singer’s company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, and dance team captain Shirlene Quigley.
Davis and Williams joined Lizzo’s team in 2021, following their participation in her Amazon dance competition show. Williams alleges that in April, she spoke up in a meeting where Lizzo accused dancers of drinking before performances, leading to a tense back and forth between them.
The day before, Lizzo informed the dancers that they would have to reaudition, leading to an intense 12-hour rehearsal, according to the suit. Afraid of losing her job if she went to the restroom, Davis ended up soiling her pants.
The women were coerced by Quigley and Lizzo to visit Amsterdam’s red-light district, where prostitution is legal and there are many sex shows and shops. Davis asserts that she and Rodriguez were obliged to engage with a nude performer on the program and were afraid that if they refused to participate, they would be terminated from their positions.
Davis alleges that Lizzo criticized her weight. Lizzo presents herself as a body-positive celebrity but does not apply the same standard to her dancers.
Rodriguez, the third plaintiff, terminated her employment after Shirlene Quigley refused to stop her religious preaching. Though many concerns were raised about Quigley’s constant religious talk, management did not address the issue.
The dancers were not allowed to seek work outside of the tour.
The suit doesn’t mention a monetary value for damages that would cover lost wages, emotional distress, and legal fees.
Lizzo has been on a world tour for much of 2023 and recently finished her Australian tour.
Copyright 2023, USNewsMag.com
