Lizzo’s bid to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit against her has been rejected.
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge decided on Friday that the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Lizzo’s former background dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, will proceed. The lawsuit, filed on August 1, 2023, accuses the Grammy winner, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, and her company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., of subjecting the dancers to abuse, harassment, discrimination, and multiple workplace violations.
The three women, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, are being represented by Los Angeles attorney Ron Zambrano.
“We’re very pleased with the judge’s ruling, and we absolutely consider it a victory on balance,” Zambrano said in a statement.
Judge Mark H. Epstein has dismissed specific allegations, such as claims of fat-shaming Arianna Davis, a nude photo shoot, and dancers being compelled to be on “hold” during non-tour periods, as mentioned by attorney Ron Zambrano.
“However, all the other claims remain, including sexual, religious and racial discrimination, sexual harassment, the demeaning visits to the Bananenbar in Amsterdam and Crazy Horse in Paris, false imprisonment, and assault. The ruling also rightfully signals that Lizzo — or any celebrity — is not insulated from this sort of reprehensible conduct merely because she is famous. We now look forward to conducting discovery and preparing the case for trial.”
Stefan Friedman, Lizzo’s spokesperson, expressed satisfaction, stating, “We are pleased that Judge Epstein wisely dismissed all or part of four of the plaintiffs’ causes of action,” in response to the recent developments reported by Entertainment Tonight.
Lizzo expresses gratitude to the judge for discerning beyond the distractions, recognizing her as a strong woman dedicated to uplifting others and spreading positivity. Despite the judge’s decisions, Lizzo’s team plans to appeal all elements retained in the lawsuit, expressing confidence in prevailing.
The 34-page court document references Amsterdam’s renowned Red Light District, specifically mentioning Bananenbar. The plaintiffs had previously raised concerns about an incident last year, alleging that Lizzo insisted members of her touring team accompany her to the venue, known for its nude dancers.
Last year, the singer sought to dismiss the lawsuit, invoking California’s anti-SLAPP statute, designed to counter strategic lawsuits against public participation, often associated with cases threatening free speech.
“It is dangerous for the court to weigh in, ham-fisted, into constitutionally protected activity,” Judge Epstein said. “But it is equally dangerous to turn a blind eye to allegations of discrimination or other forms of misconduct merely because they take place in a speech-related environment.”
The singer, along with her dance captain Shirlene Quigley, will confront remaining allegations of sexual harassment, racial and religious discrimination, including claims of compulsory participation in prayer circles. Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams joined Lizzo in 2021 for the Amazon reality show “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.” Noelle Rodriguez, who appeared in the video for Lizzo’s hit “Rumors” in 2021, resigned in 2022.
In August 2023, Lizzo took to social media to share a comprehensive statement, vehemently denying what she deemed as “outrageous” accusations.
— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) August 3, 2023
“My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to be addressed”, she said.
Addressing what she termed “sensationalized stories,” Lizzo asserted that the plaintiffs had been previously informed about their inappropriate and unprofessional behavior on tour. She emphasized, “I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be.”
