Introducing: Celebrity Scoop
Feminist icon Lizzo has been accused of sexual harassment and fat shaming.
If you were anywhere near as shocked by these allegations as I was, chances are you have also had an internet deep dive into the allegations, but for those who don’t have the time (or, frankly, stamina), here is an overview…
In a lawsuit filed on August 15, 2023, three of Lizzo’s tour dancers have accused the singer of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment through sexual, racial, and religious harassment. The lawsuit alleges that Lizzo criticized a dancer’s recent weight gain, pressured one dancer to touch a nude performer at a club in Amsterdam, subjected several dancers to an “excruciating” 12-hour audition, made false accusations that they drank while working, and pushed her Christian beliefs upon other performers.
The dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez name Lizzo, her production company (Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc), and Lizzo’s dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, as defendants, seeming to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly, as an advocate for body positivity and self-love. The suit claims that Lizzo created a hostile work environment, subjected her dancers to false imprisonment, and interfered with their prospective economic advantage.
The lawsuit seeks damages covering emotional distress, lost wages, and attorneys’ fees. Lizzo has spent the majority of 2023 on tour, with legs in North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia. She wrapped the Australian section of her tour, which the Guardian described as full of “spectacular, celebratory joy”, last month.
HOWEVER. This deeply confusing, emotional roller coaster ride has spiralled further into madness.
Lizzo has come out on “X” (nee. Twitter) outright denying all claims. She states “These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing… My character has been criticised.”
Lizzo’s response has garnered much attention, claiming that “these sensationalised stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.” Many fans are unsure of who to believe, and many more are outraged at Lizzo’s lack of apology amongst the lengthy, 4-page apology consisting of Notes App screenshots. However, considering the serious nature of the allegations, chances are, the result of this controversy may lie within the legal system meaning that an apology on Lizzo’s part could constitute an admission of guilt, leaving her and her team culpable to pay up in damages.
It remains to be seen how this lawsuit will play out in the legal system, but one thing is clear: Lizzo’s public image as a feminist icon has been severely tarnished. While the allegations are still unproven, the fact that they exist at all is a blow to her reputation and to the movement she represents. Only time will tell what a case such as this will do to the movement for body positivity in the music industry, and beyond.
Anouk Hakewill, Year 10