Lizzo Faces Lawsuit as Three Former Dancers Allege Harassment and Hostile Work Environment

Grammy-winning artist Lizzo finds herself entangled in a legal battle as three former dancers file a lawsuit against her, claiming they endured a hostile work environment and harassment during their tenure as members of her dance team.
The complaint, lodged in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday and brought to light by CNN through the dancers’ attorney, also names Lizzo’s production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT), and an individual described as the “dance cast captain” as additional defendants.
The lawsuit presents disturbing allegations, with one of the plaintiffs recounting an incident during a tour in Amsterdam’s Red Light District in February. According to the suit, Lizzo allegedly encouraged the plaintiff to “take turns touching the nude performers” at a club. Despite expressing her unwillingness to participate, the plaintiff claims she acquiesced due to fear of retaliation.
Another dancer asserts that Lizzo raised concerns about her commitment to the dance team and made comments that thinly veiled concerns about her “weight gain.” This reportedly led to the dancer feeling pressured to disclose intimate personal details about her life to justify her position and job.
The complaint further alleges instances of racial and religious discrimination, including an accusation against an accountant from BGBT’s predominantly White management team. The accountant purportedly reprimanded the Black dancers, deeming their behavior as “unacceptable and disrespectful” during the tour, leading to claims of racial and fat-phobic animus in the remark. It is essential to note that Lizzo’s work has been known for promoting body positivity and advocating for self-love and acceptance.
CNN has reached out to representatives for Lizzo and Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. in search of a response to the allegations made in the lawsuit.
As this legal matter unfolds, Lizzo’s fans and the music industry as a whole will be closely watching developments. The accusations are serious and underscore the importance of ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all artists and their teams. It remains to be seen how the parties involved will address these troubling claims and what impact this lawsuit will have on Lizzo’s career and reputation as an artist known for empowering and uplifting her audience.