Three tour dancers have reportedly accused Lizzo of sexual harassment. They further claim she created a hostile work environment through sexual, racial and religious harassment. According to a complaint filed on Tuesday, July 1, the incidents occurred between 2021 and 2023.
Lizzo has also been accused by the performers of criticizing a dancer’s recent weight gain and then berating and terminating her. Lizzo is well-known for her support of body positivity.
As reported by NBC News, the complaint, filed in Los Angeles, claims that Lizzo pressured one of the dancers to touch a naked performer at a club in Amsterdam. She has also been accused of falsely accusing a number of dancers of drinking while working and then subjecting them to an “excruciating” 12-hour audition.
According to the suit, Shirlene Quigley, Lizzo’s dance captain, denigrated individuals who had premarital sex. Furthermore, Shirlene has been charged with simulating oral sex, sharing lewd sexual fantasies and forcing other dancers to accept her Christian beliefs. She reportedly talked about the virginity of a performer as well.
It’s not clear if Lizzo was aware of Shirlene’s accusations. However, the plaintiffs’ lawyers of the plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez, stated that the ladies believe Lizzo was aware of the accusations filed against Shirlene. The suit names Lizzo, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc and Shirlene as defendants, and the accusations include sexual harassment, hostile work environment, false imprisonment and interference with prospective economic advantage. In any case, each claim was not brought against every defendant.