Three former dancers for rapper and singer Melissa Viviane Jefferson, who performs under the stage name Lizzo, have accused the performer of creating a hostile work environment and harassment, according to a Tuesday lawsuit.
The singer reportedly accused one dancer of drinking on the job and subsequently subjected them to an "excruciating" audition. The singer is also accused of pressuring the dancer to touch a nude performer at a club in Amsterdam.
Lizzo was also accused of harassing one dancer over weight gain claiming the performer was "less committed" to her role in the production. The rapper also berated and fired the dancer for reportedly recording a meeting after citing a health condition, per NBC News, who was privy to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by the plaintiffs’ law firm.
Shirlene Quigley, the captain of Lizzo's dance team, is also accused of harassing performers who engaged in premarital sex. The caption also reportedly shared sexual fantasies, simulated oral sex, and discussed one performer's virginity.
The lawsuit does not reveal if the rapper was aware of allegations levied against Quigley, though the former dancers believed Lizzo is aware of their complaints, according to lawyer Ron Zambrano.
The suit also alleges religious and racial harassment, false imprisonment, and interference with prospective economic advantage among other allegations, per the outlet. “The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralizing,” said lawyer Zambrano in a statement. “Plaintiffs were aghast with how little regard Lizzo showed for the bodily autonomy of her employees and those around her, especially in the presence of many people whom she employed,” the suit reads. Dancers were not made aware of the nature of the nude Amsterdam show as the rapper reportedly invited the performers in hopes “they would be able to learn something or be inspired by the performance." Lizzo reportedly invited dancers to touch the nude performers and "[catch] dildos launched from the performers’ vaginas, and [eat] bananas protruding from the performers’ vaginas." After the performer turned down the rapper's invitation, Lizzo reportedly pressured the dancer to touch the breasts of one nude performer.
Neither Lizzo and production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., nor Quigley immediately responded for comment.
