Lizzo is accused of sexual harassment and fat-shaming: dancers confirm accusations on TV. Popular American singer in the registry office Melissa Vivian Jefferson, found herself at the center of a storm due to allegations made by three members of her corps de ballet. But she is not there and talks about “false accusations“.
“Sexually offensive” behavior and “forced participation in obnoxious sex shows” are what we read in the complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Ariadne Davis, Crystal Williams AND Noel Rodriguezas part of the film crew of the 35-year-old singer in the period 2021-2023.
Formally, all three sued Lizzo, her production company, and her dance captain. Shirlin Quigley for allegedly creating a hostile work environment, including sexual harassment and fat-shaming.
After the filing of the documents, two of the three plaintiffs expressed their views in a television interview. I speak Ariadne Davis and Crystal Williams.
Williams, explaining the reasons for the complaint to CBS, says he filed it to make sure other dancers “do not have to have the same experience.”
Davis and Williams explain that they met the artist in March 2021 while preparing for a reality show.”Beware Lizzo Big Grrrls“. So they were hired by the singer for the tour.
“Then we were fired,” they say. Lizzo allegedly accused the dancers of being alcohol consumption before the performance, “but this is not true, alcohol was never allowed even in our dressing room,” both women defended themselves.
“No one speaks, they are afraid”
in the trial, Ariadne Davis she claims she was forced to participate in erotic shows during a tour of Europe with a star, although this was contrary to his religious beliefs.
She also says that earlier this year, Lizzo organized an evening for all her dancers at a strip club in Amsterdam.
Davis claims she felt compelled to touch bare chest artist while the star sang: the plaintiff would not have wanted to do this, but relented because Lizzo kept “inviting” her to do it.
“I am new to this industry. And the fact that this is my first experience is just crazy, ”he comments. And he adds: “No one talks about why they are all scared for their work. I was horrified too.”
Crystal Williams echoes her: “If there’s anything I can do to other dancers or singers or anyone who chooses to work with her (Lizzo, ed.) should not live by our experience, I will.”
Fat shaming, discrimination against overweight people
Also in TV interview Ariadne Davis it also speaks of weight discrimination. According to him, Lizzo hinted that she had gained weight and asked her a series of questions for clarification aboutweight gain.
“My dancing ability was the same, my energy was the same. The only thing that was different about me was my weight,” says Davis, who ultimately felt compelled to reveal details of her personal life “in order to keep her job.” For this, she was forced to talk about her anxiety which led to her overeating.
Who are the three accusers?
Ariadne Davis24, from Indiana, has been dancing since childhood and has specialized in making music.
During the pandemic, she went viral when she responded to a casting call from Lizzo by posting a TikTok video of her dancing, in which the singer sang a duet.
She participated in the Amazon reality show “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls”, during which Lizzo herself chose new dancers. Davis was picked up and went on tour with the singer, performing at the 2023 Brit Awards last February.
Also Crystal Williams26 years old, from Texas, participated in the reality show Lizzo, and then on the “Special Tour” of the singer.
After performing with a college dance group, while still studying, she submitted an online casting offer to Lizzo. And it was taken.
Noel Rodriguez25, also from Texas, she didn’t come from “recruitment” via a reality show: she was hired by Lizzo after starring in her music video for the song “Gossip“.
She previously established herself as a dancer in a scene in the first season of the American teen drama Euphoria, as well as in several television commercials.
In addition to Melissa Vivian Jefferson, she has performed with Beyoncé at Coachella, Sam Smith and Janet Jackson at the Billboard Music Awards.
Lizzo speaks through social media
After several days of silence, finally the person concerned – the singer Lizzo – returns to social networks to present her version of the facts.
“The last few days have been terribly difficult and frustrating. My work ethic, morality and respect were called into question. My character has been criticized,” the lengthy Instagram post reads.
“Usually I prefer not to answer false accusations, but they are as amazing as can be, and too big to ignore. These sensational stories come from former employees who have already publicly admitted that their behavior while on tour it was inappropriate and unprofessionalLizzo explains.
“As an artist, I have always been very passionate about what I do. I take my music and my performances seriously because in the end I just want to release best art which represents me and my fans,” he continues.
“With passion comes hard work and high standards. Sometimes I have to make difficult decisionsbut I’m never going to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they’re not appreciated as an important part of the team,” the post continues.
“He takes nothing more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it’s like to be ashamed of the body every day, and I would never criticize or fire an employee because of his weight, ”says the artist.
So: “I am in pain, but I will not let the good work I have done in the world be clouded by this. I want to thank everyone who gave me their support to help me through this difficult time.”