Grammy winning pop star Lizzo was accused of workplace abuse, sexual harassment, and more in a recently filed lawsuit from two of her former tour dancers. Several allegations additionally apply to dance captain Shirlene Quigley, who stands accused of allegedly attempting to convert the dancers to christianity. After the initial lawsuit was announced and detailed reports emerged, further allegations of misconduct and general poor character continue to emerge surrounding Lizzo.
Notably, acclaimed director Sophia Nahli Allison shared an Instagram story regarding her choice to drop out of working on the singer’s documentary. Allison referred to Lizzo as “arrogant, self-centered, and unkind.”
Filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison says she dropped out as director of Lizzo’s documentary in 2019 after facing mistreatment from her:
“I was treated with such disrespect by her. I witnessed how arrogant, self-centered, and unkind she is.” pic.twitter.com/jl1sA4EZ1Q
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 2, 2023
Among the specifics named in the lawsuit are discussions of a dancer’s virginity in front of the entire dance team. Additionally, at an Amsterdam red light-district party, the singer allegedly forced dancers to eat bananas out of naked performers’ genital areas. Lizzo and Quigley also stand accused of body-shaming and workplace endangerment.
Now, the singer has released a statement on her Instagram account.
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Public Reaction
Lizzo’s statement continues to receive mixed reactions. Some fans continue to defend her, feeling that her past employees may only be seeking settlement money and not telling the truth. Elsewhere, other onlookers are analyzing the situation closely before casting judgements.
she didn’t even apologize???? she knows she’s guilty
— ???????????? ???????????????????? | fan account (@hexminaj) August 3, 2023
LIZZO IS INNOCENT
— jesse | TENSION OUT NOW (@chr0matihoe) August 3, 2023
Amid the commentary surrounding the lawsuit and Allison’s alleged experience with the singer, others continue to come out of the woodwork. Many are using the opportunity to discuss their own personal alleged traumatic experiences with Lizzo. A digital creator named Brooklyn Elizabeth Brown shared a TikTok video revealing that she was in a 10 year relationship with host and comedian Myke Wright, Lizzo’s current boyfriend.
When Wright and Lizzo co-hosted “Wonderland” on MTV, Brown alleged that Wright left her for Lizzo. She detailed that she discovered he was cheating on her through his text messages. Brown also alleged that Lizzo was rude to her on the set of the show.
@brooklynelizabethbrown As far as I know they are still together. I wish them peace and happiness.
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Others are dissecting several of the singer’s past lyrics for clues surrounding the allegations. Her track “Rumors” references several people attempting to sue her.
@papathanos99 just….. disappointed.#fypシ #music #lizzo #lizzosbiggrrrls
The Trial
Lizzo will be represented by attorney Marty Singer. Singer has represented several of the entertainment industry’s most controversial figures, including Bill Cosby, Johnny Depp, Charlie Sheen, Chris Brown, Brett Ratner, and currently Jonah Hill. Cosby notably served three years in prison after being convicted in the 2004 rape of Andrea Constand. The lawyer’s questionable clientele has many assuming the singer’s guilt.
The clientele range alone just proves Lizzo might not be innocent omg ????
— steven ❀ (@arianaunext) August 3, 2023
The mass public disappointment surrounding the allegations stems from Lizzo’s personal branding. The singer has been an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion and body positivity. The singer notably employed diverse dancers and crafted a size inclusive shape wear line.
all of those men being problematic, oh lizzo it might be over for you ???? pic.twitter.com/Km0Qv0blaS
— Madboy (@takecarehours) August 3, 2023
The lawyer representing the two dancers who filed the initial lawsuit issued a statement regarding Lizzo’s response.
Attorney for dancers suing Lizzo responds to her denying allegations:
“Given Lizzo is denying that any of this happened, let’s take it to trial. More witnesses are coming forward every day corroborating the plaintiffs’ allegations, so we’re looking forward to facing Lizzo and… pic.twitter.com/83HrmxkBsL
— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 3, 2023
A date and location is yet to be set for a trial.
