In a recent turn of events, Lizzo's current backup dancers have come forward to defend the singer amidst a lawsuit filed by three former dancers accusing her of sexual harassment and fat-shaming. The group, known as the "Big Grrrls," expressed their gratitude towards Lizzo for breaking barriers and providing them with a platform to pursue their passion. In a heartfelt Instagram post, they thanked the singer for "shattering limitations and kicking in the door way" and allowing them to parallel their passion with a purpose.
Lizzo's dance troupe, who worked with her on "The Special Tour," which concluded in July, emphasized the positive experiences they had throughout their time together. Describing it as a life-changing journey, they expressed their honor in sharing the stage with such incredible talent. They praised Lizzo's commitment to character and culture, highlighting the valuable lessons they learned from her. The dancers acknowledged that this tour experience had been beyond special, describing it as one of the greatest lessons and blessings they could have asked for.
However, despite the support from her current backup dancers, Lizzo faces serious allegations from Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, who filed a lawsuit against her earlier this month. The trio accuses Lizzo of sexual harassment, fat-shaming, disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment. According to the lawsuit, Lizzo allegedly engaged in several instances of misconduct while on tour, including pressuring the dancers into attending a sex show in Amsterdam's red light district and making derogatory comments about Davis' weight gain.
In response to the lawsuit, Lizzo released a statement dismissing the allegations as “unbelievable” and "outrageous." She stated that she usually chooses not to respond to false allegations but felt compelled to address these claims due to their sensationalized nature. The singer claimed that the former employees had already admitted that their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional. Lizzo vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that she never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable or undervalued as part of her team.
Ron Zambrano, the attorney representing the former dancers, criticized Lizzo's denial of the allegations, stating that it only added to his clients' emotional distress. He argued that the singer's dismissive comments and lack of empathy demonstrate her character and further minimize the trauma experienced by the plaintiffs and other employees who have shared their negative experiences.
As the lawsuit gains widespread attention, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold. Both Lizzo's legal team, represented by attorney Marty Singer, and Zambrano have yet to respond to media requests for comment. The allegations against Lizzo have sparked a debate surrounding workplace environments in the entertainment industry and the importance of addressing claims of harassment and discrimination.
