LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Former backing dancers who filed a lawsuit against Lizzo has now come forward to respond to the singer's statement following the sexual harassment allegations. The performers have accused her of having a "lack of empathy" in her statement. A civil lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court against the pop singer whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc, and Shirlene Quigley, her dance team captain on Tuesday, August 1.
The plaintiffs Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis, and Noelle Rodriguez, alleged that Lizzo created a hostile working environment. The dancers claimed that they were subjected to weight shaming while working with Lizzo and were forced by her into touching nude performers at an Amsterdam club. False imprisonment, religious and racial harassment, discrimination, and body shaming are the other allegations mentioned in the lawsuit, according to Newsweek.
'My character has been criticized'
On Thursday, August 3, Lizzo took to Instagram to respond to the lawsuit filed against her saying that the accusations were too outrageous not to address. "These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelming disappointing. My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized," Lizzo's post began.
"Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to be addressed," she wrote and added, "These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional."
Lawyer representing accusers calls Lizzo's comments 'dismissive'
Ron Zambrano, the Los Angeles attorney who is representing the complainants issued a statement to Newsweek shortly after Lizzo posted her statement. "Lizzo has failed her own brand and has let down her fans. Her denial of this reprehensible behavior only adds to our client's emotional distress," Zambrano told Newsweek.
"The dismissive comments and utter lack of empathy are quite telling about her character and only serve to minimize the trauma she has caused the plaintiffs and other employees who have now come forward sharing their own negative experiences," said the attorney who is a partner and employment litigation chair at West Coast Employment Lawyers.
"While Lizzo notes it was never her intention 'to make anyone feel uncomfortable,' that is exactly what she did to the point of demoralizing her dancers and flagrantly violating the law," he added. According to the lawsuit, the accusers stated that between 2021 and 2023, they were "forced to endure sexually denigrating behavior" and were also "pressured into participating in disturbing sex shows."
