Pop sensation Lizzo is facing legal action from three of her former dancers, who have brought forth allegations of sexual harassment, religious and racial discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment. The dancers claim that they were subjected to a hostile work environment during their time with the singer.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday, names Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez as the former dancers involved. They are taking legal action against Lizzo, her dance captain, and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring (BGBT).
Among the disturbing accusations made against Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is the claim that she pressured Ms. Davis to touch the breasts of a performer during a nightclub event in Amsterdam. Davis, feeling pressured and fearing repercussions for her future on the team, eventually acquiesced.
Lizzo, known for promoting body positivity and self-love, is also accused, along with dance choreographer Tanisha Scott, of fat-shaming Ms. Davis while on tour. The legal documents allege that they questioned Ms. Davis’s commitment to her role on the dance cast, linking it to her weight gain.
The lawsuit further states that staff working for BGBT scolded the dancers for “unacceptable and disrespectful” behavior without specifying the nature of the behavior. The dancers claim that only the dance cast, comprised of full-figured women of color, were targeted, leading them to believe that the comments were racially and fat-phobic charged.
Moreover, the case alleges that the dance team’s captain, Shirlene Quigley, imposed her Christian beliefs on the performers and derided those who engaged in premarital sex. She is also accused of publicly discussing one of the dancers’ virginity and posting about it on social media.
The allegations also include claims of racial discrimination within BGBT’s management team. Black members of the dance troupe were allegedly treated differently and subjected to disparaging remarks, while other dancers did not face the same treatment.
The plaintiffs also accuse Lizzo and the production company of not paying them fairly during their time on Lizzo’s European tour. They claim they received only 25% of their weekly compensatory pay when not performing, while other performers received 50%. Additionally, they were allegedly discouraged from working on other projects while on tour.
The legal case remains to be tested in court, and Lizzo and the others involved have yet to respond publicly to the allegations. The lawsuit sheds light on serious issues in the entertainment industry and brings attention to the importance of creating a safe and inclusive work environment for all.
Source : BBC
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