Lizzo accused of sexual harassment; creating hostile environment for performers

American singer and actor Lizzo has been accused of sexually harassing her tour dancers. A report also includes complaint against Lizzo’s dance captain Shirlene Quigley.

The dancers alleged that she harassed them sexually, racially and religiously. A lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, July 1, alleging that the incidents took place between 2021 and 2023. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, alleges that Lizzo pressured one of the dancers to touch a nude performer at a club in Amsterdam, according to NBC News.

Performers alleged that Lizzo criticized a dancer due to weight gain and later fired her. There were also complains that she falsely accused dancers of drinking while working, and then subjecting them to an “excruciating” 12-hour audition.
The suit also says that Lizzo’s dance captain Shirlene Quigley ridiculed those who had premarital sex. Shirlene has also been accused of pushing her religious beliefs upon the dancers. She allegedly also discussed a performer’s virginity.

It is not confirmed whether Lizzo knew about the allegations against Shirlene. However, the lawyer of the plaintiffs – Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez – said the women believe Lizzo knew about the complaints made against Shirlene.

“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,” the plaintiffs’ lawyer Ron Zambrano said in a statement