Lizzo, the popular singer, is facing a lawsuit filed by three of her former backup dancers. The dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, allege that they experienced terrible working conditions while working for Lizzo and her touring company between 2021 and spring 2023. According to the lawsuit, the dancers were either unfairly fired or forced to resign due to unbearable circumstances.
The dancers claim that they were subjected to several California workplace violations, including sexual harassment, false imprisonment, and interference with prospective economic advantage. These allegations are not only directed at Lizzo but also at members of her management team. The dancers state that they were essentially held hostage in various situations.
One of the instances mentioned in the lawsuit took place during Lizzo’s tour in Europe earlier this year. The dancers state that they were forced to attend nude shows in Amsterdam and Paris, which made them extremely uncomfortable. In Amsterdam, Lizzo allegedly encouraged her dancers to touch the nude performers onstage in vulgar and explicit ways. The dancers felt that they had to comply in order to keep their jobs.
Another claim against Lizzo is her alleged mistreatment of the dancers, particularly regarding accusations of poor performance and drinking on the job. The dancers state that Lizzo constantly threatened them and their positions on her squad. In fact, Lizzo made them reaudition for their spots in a grueling multi-hour rehearsal. One dancer even claims she was forced to urinate on herself out of fear of taking a break during the rehearsal.
Furthermore, one dancer alleges that Lizzo exploited her eating disorder when she felt the dancer wasn’t performing up to par. Lizzo allegedly forced her to discuss her eating disorder, which is a highly personal and sensitive issue.
In addition to the mistreatment, the dancers claim that they were frequently underpaid and had to turn down other dancing gigs during breaks in the tour. The dancers are seeking significant damages through the lawsuit.
This lawsuit shines a spotlight on the often unseen and underreported issues within the entertainment industry. It highlights the importance of creating a safe and respectful working environment for all individuals, regardless of their position or status. It is crucial for artists and their management teams to address and rectify any allegations of mistreatment to ensure the well-being and dignity of their employees.
The allegations made by these three dancers against Lizzo are serious and require a thorough investigation. If found guilty of the accusations, Lizzo will need to be held accountable for her actions and take necessary steps to improve her behavior and treatment of her employees. It is essential for artists to lead by example and foster a positive and inclusive working environment.
In conclusion, Lizzo is facing a lawsuit from three former backup dancers who claim to have experienced terrible working conditions and mistreatment. These allegations include instances of sexual harassment, forced attendance at nude shows, and verbal abuse. The dancers also state that they were underpaid and had to turn down other job opportunities. This lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of treating all employees with respect and dignity, regardless of their role. Artists must be held accountable for their actions and take steps to create a safe and inclusive working environment.