Lizzo Addresses Sexual Harassment Lawsuit from Former Dancers

Grammy-winning artist Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, has addressed the civil lawsuit filed against her by three former dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez. In a statement released on Thursday via her Twitter and Instagram accounts, Lizzo expressed the difficulty and disappointment she has experienced due to the recent allegations.

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A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

“These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” Lizzo wrote. “My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually, I chose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.”

Lizzo went on to clarify that the allegations were coming from former employees who had already admitted to being warned about their inappropriate and unprofessional behavior during the tour. She expressed her desire not to be seen as a victim and stressed the importance of respect for women in the world. The singer vehemently denied ever body shaming anyone and stated that she would never criticize or terminate an employee based on their weight.

The original lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accused Lizzo of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment during the employment of the three dancers. The plaintiffs alleged that Lizzo pressured them to engage with nude performers at a club in Amsterdam after a concert and claimed that she led a chant pressuring one of them to touch the breasts of a nude performer during a sexually themed show in the city's Red Light District.

In addition to the sexual harassment allegations, the lawsuit also included charges of religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment against Lizzo and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. Shirlene Quigley, captain of Lizzo's dance team, was also named as a defendant.

The dancers accused Lizzo of overworking them, subjecting them to a 12-hour rehearsal, and firing those she was dissatisfied with. One dancer claimed to have been fired for challenging Lizzo's claim that the group was drinking before performances, while another alleged being dismissed after recording a meeting while suffering from an eye condition.

The lawsuit sought unspecified damages and brought attention to the need for accountability and fair treatment within the entertainment industry.

As the legal proceedings continue, Lizzo thanked her supporters for lifting her up during this challenging time.

Steph Curry Stuns Fans With Rap Prowess in 'Lil Fish, Big Pond' Music Video

Screengrab "Lil Fish, Big Pond" video via Twitter

Golden State Warriors' star Steph Curry proves he's a man of many talents as he showcases his musical prowess in a new rap song that's taking the internet by storm. Teaming up with Houston-based rapper Tobe Nwigwe, Curry's debut on "Lil Fish, Big Pond" has already racked up over 16,000 views on YouTube within just four hours of release.

In the music video, Curry and Nwigwe are seen bonding over a fishing trip, but it's the lyrics that have fans buzzing. Curry opens the song with his smooth delivery, boasting lines like "Daddy taught me how to flick my wrist, I'm my father's son" and "They should put the basket in the casket after I am done." It's clear that Curry's skills extend beyond the basketball court.

Watch the video below.

The official music video for "Lil Fish, Big Pond" from the one and only @tobenwigwe and me is live! Check out the full video on YouTube and watch #UnderratedFilm on @AppleTV. pic.twitter.com/Jv7jFgfy4O

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) August 2, 2023

Former Dancers Allege Sexual, Religious, and Racial Harassment by Lizzo and Team

Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Grammy-winning artist Lizzo, 35, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is facing a civil lawsuit filed by three former dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday, accuses Lizzo of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment during their employment.

According to the legal complaint, Lizzo allegedly pressured the dancers to engage with nude performers at a club in Amsterdam after a concert. The dancers claim that during a sexually themed show in the city's Red Light District, she led a chant pressuring one of them, Davis, to touch the breasts of one of the nude performers. The plaintiffs state that they were dismayed by the lack of regard Lizzo showed for their bodily autonomy and those around them, especially considering they were employees of the singer.

The lawsuit further alleges numerous charges, including sexual, religious, and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault and false imprisonment against Lizzo and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. Additionally, the suit names Shirlene Quigley, captain of the star's dance team, as a defendant.

Specific accusations against Lizzo include overworking the dancers and subjecting them to an "excruciating" 12-hour rehearsal, where those she was dissatisfied with were allegedly fired and sent home. One dancer claims to have been fired for challenging Lizzo's assertion that the group was drinking before performances, while another alleges being dismissed after recording a meeting while suffering from an eye condition.

Specific claims made against Lizzo and her dance captain Shirlene Quigley in a lawsuit filed by her ex-dancers:

Lizzo:

• Accused of overworking dancers and making the group re-audition in an “excruciating” 12-hour rehearsal. Those she was “dissatisfied with” would be fired… pic.twitter.com/PxH6jgGhMh

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 1, 2023

The legal filing also accuses Lizzo of coercing one of the dancers into touching a woman's breast at a strip club, despite the dancer expressing opposition. Moreover, the singer is said to have invited her dancers to a nude cabaret bar without disclosing the nature of the performance.

Beyoncé seemingly skips over Lizzo’s name during the Queens Remix performance of ‘Break My Soul’ tonight at the Renaissance World Tour.

She instead repeats Erykah Badu’s name four times.

pic.twitter.com/KhCC3TBbLF

— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 2, 2023

In addition to the allegations against Lizzo, Quigley is accused of attempting to convert the dancers to her religion, scolding them for engaging in pre-marital sex and discussing masturbation and sexual fantasies with the group.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and highlights the need for accountability and fair treatment within the entertainment industry. Lizzo's legal team has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.