Lizzo is reportedly taking legal action against the dancers accusing her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
Earlier this month, fans of the body-positive star were left stunned when three former members of her dance troupe the Big Grrrls – Crystal Williams, Noelle Rodriguez, and Arianna Davis accused the Juice hitmaker, 35, of discrimination and creating a ‘hostile work environment’.
The trio claimed they were subject to sexual, religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault and false imprisonment, among other allegations.
The About Damn Time musician has vehemently denied the allegations, branding them ‘outrageous’ and ‘sensationalised.’
According to TMZ, Lizzo’s – real name Melissa Viviane Jefferson- lawyer Marty Singer told the publication about newly released photos showing the backup dancers ‘happily carousing’ and ‘gleefully reveling’ at a topless show in Paris.
In a statement shared with The Independent, Singer said: ‘The lawsuit is a sham.’
In response to the statement, the attorney for the accusers Neama Rahmani told TMZ: ‘Of course, they wanted to keep their jobs. They had bills to pay just like everyone else but they finally had enough of the abuse. We stand by every claim in the lawsuit and look forward to trial.’
Following the accusations, Lizzo penned on social media: ‘These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized.’
She continued: ‘Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.
‘These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.’
Lizzo later added: ‘There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.’
