08-08-2023
Three backup dancers have filed a lawsuit against Lizzo, claiming she subjected them to sexual harassment and created a hostile work environment. In their lawsuit, the three individuals say they were "exposed to an overtly sexual atmosphere that permeated their workplace," including "outings where nudity and sexuality were a focal point." The suit names Lizzo, her production company, and the tour's dance captain Shirlene Quigley. Most of the allegations are against Quigley. They accuse Quigley of making sexually explicit comments and engaging in religious harassment by repeatedly preaching Christianity to the dancers.
In the Complaint, the dancers say Lizzo invited employees to touch nude performers and handle dildos and bananas used in performances. Fearing retaliation, one dancer acquiesced to touching a nude performer's breast in response to pressure after expressly saying they were uninterested. The dancers also claim Lizzo "weight shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralizing." Lizzo allegedly frequently yelled and cursed at them. Lizzo terminated two of the dancers in spring 2023. The third resigned from her employment shortly after.
Lizzo responded to the lawsuit via Twitter. She said, “My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.” Lizzo asserts these dancers were told during the tour that their behavior was "inappropriate and unprofessional." Following the media coverage of the lawsuit, a female filmmaker publicly commented that Lizzo treated her with “such disrespect” during the making of a documentary on the singer.