Lizzo Hit With Assault, Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Suit By ‘Watch Out for the Big Grrrls’ Contestants
Lizzo has been sued by a trio of her former touring dancers for sexual harassment, assault, discrimination and fostering a “hostile work environment.” In a broad complaint for unspecified damages filed this morning in LA Superior Court, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez also allege that they were body shamed, put through a self-described “excruciating” audition for their own jobs after drinking on the clock accusations and held to prohibitive “soft hold” retainers.
Naming four-time Grammy winner Lizzo herself, a.k.a. Melissa Jefferson, plus Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and Shirlene Quigley, the head of the performer’s dance team, the suit vividly describes the dancers being forced to attend and participate in sex shows while on tour, having their virginity mocked, being subject to religious diatribes, and a case of “false imprisonment” (read it here). “As the headlining act of ‘The Special Tour’ it was clear that Lizzo was the ultimate decision-making authority and supervisor of Plaintiffs,” the filing states. “Additionally, as dance cast captain, Ms.
Quigley also held a supervisory role within the production,” it adds. “At no point did anyone from BGBT management nor Lizzo’s step in to put an end to this inappropriate behavior.
Accordingly, Defendants are strictly liable for Lizzo’s and Ms. Quigley’s harassing behavior.” Touring with Lizzo up until they were axed earlier this year, Davis and Williams were among the 13 contestants on the Emmy-winning Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, which debuted its first season on Amazon Prime Video last year.
