Lizzo accused of harassment, weight-shaming

Pop sensation Lizzo is currently embroiled in a legal battle as three former dancers file a lawsuit against her, citing claims of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.

The lawsuit was filed recently in Los Angeles, and it includes accusations of sexual, religious and racial harassment, discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment.

The former dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, are the plaintiffs in this case.

At the heart of the lawsuit are disturbing allegations that the dancers were "forced to endure sexually denigrating behaviour" and were "pressured into participating in disturbing sex shows" between 2021 and 2023.

Among the claims against Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, are that she "pressured Davis to touch the breasts" of a performer in a nightclub in Amsterdam, and Davis, after resisting, eventually acquiesced "fearing it may harm her future on the team" if she didn't do so.

Lizzo, who is known for celebrating her body and self-love, is also accused, along with dance choreographer Tanisha Scott, of weight-shaming Davis on tour.

The plaintiffs also allege Lizzo and the production company team did not pay them fairly while on parts of Lizzo's European tour. They claim they were offered only 25% of their weekly compensatory pay during their time not performing on the tour, while other performers received 50%.