Lizzo’s Former Dancers Sue Her for Alleged Sexual Harassment, Weight-Shaming and Creating a ‘Hostile Work Environment’
01.08.2023 - 17:15
/ variety.com
Thania Garcia Lizzo and her production company are being accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment by a trio of the team’s former dancers, according to a legal complaint filed Tuesday. The lawsuit, independently viewed by Variety, was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Lizzo (real name Melissa Viviane Jefferson), her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT), and Shirlene Quigley, captain of Lizzo’s dance team.
The dancers — plaintiffs Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez — have alleged sexual, religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault and false imprisonment, among a slew of other charges. One of the most striking details of the suit alleges dancers were pressured — due to fear of losing their jobs — to touch nude dancers during a live sex show in Amsterdam’s Red Light District, notoriously known for its prostitution, sex theaters, nude bars and clubs. “The main event of the night was a club called Bananenbar, where patrons are allowed to interact with completely nude performers,” the lawsuit states.
“While at Bananenbar, things quickly got out of hand. Lizzo began inviting cast members to take turns touching the nude performers, catching dildos launched from the performers’ vaginas, and eating bananas protruding from the performers’ vaginas. Lizzo then turned her attention to Ms.
Davis and began pressuring Ms. Davis to touch the breasts of one of the nude women performing at the club. Lizzo began leading a chant goading Ms.
Davis. Ms. Davis said three times, loud enough for all to hear, ‘I’m good,’ expressing her desire not to touch the performer.” The complaint continues, “Plaintiffs were aghast with how little regard
.