Looks like Lizzo’s tour staffers are coming to her defense while the artist still takes on the shocking sexual harassment lawsuit that some of her former dancers filed.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, 18 members of Lizzo’s touring company wrote declarations stating that she provides a very positive work environment and was never forced to attend sex shows. As we previously reported, Crystal Williams, Noelle Rodriguez and Arianna Davis accused Lizzo of discrimination and creating a ‘hostile work environment,’ but the singer has already denied those allegations and has requested for a judge to toss the lawsuit out.
A spokesperson on Lizzo’s team shed light on Lizzo’s request and shared, “This is the first step of a legal process in which Lizzo and her team will demonstrate that they have always practiced what they’ve preached – whether it comes to promoting body positivity, leading a safe and supportive workplace or protecting individuals from any kind of harassment,” the spokesperson said. “Any and all claims to the contrary are ridiculous, and we look forward to proving so in a court of law.”
Variety received documents that were filed and according to the news outlet, Lizzo’s team is denying “each and every allegation,” and wants them to be tossed “in its entirety with prejudice.” In the filing they stated, “there was no injury, loss or damage to Plaintiffs” and that plaintiffs “are guilty of unclean hands” (meaning they are not legally entitled to any damages), among other notes in response to the dancer’s original claims.
Now several members of Lizzo’s tour are backing her! One of the dancers on her tour, Kiara Mooring, spoke about how the lawsuit doesn’t make since because none of them were told that they would face a punishment if they didn’t go out with Lizzo when invited. “This claim also makes no sense because plenty of the dancers (myself included) did not go to Bananenbar that night and we still have our job dancing with Lizzo.”
Melissa Locke, another dancer, says she remembers talking with two of Lizzo’s accusers, Davis and Rodriguez, the morning after the Bananenbar outing. She says, “They never said they felt uncomfortable or pressured. They were very enthusiastic about what a great night out they had.”