More dancers accuse Lizzo of mistreatment amid harassment suit
NEW YORK - At least six more people are accusing Lizzo of mistreatment, following the explosive claims of harassment levelled against the singer in a lawsuit filed last week by three of her former dancers, reported German news agency (dpa).
The additional parties came forward "with similar stories" to those of Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez, their attorney, Ron Zambrano, told US celebrity TV show Entertainment Tonight (ET).
"Noelle, Crystal and Arianna have bravely spoken out and shared their experiences, opening the door for others to feel empowered to do the same," said Zambrano.
"Some of the claims we are reviewing involve allegations of a sexually charged environment and failure to pay employees and may be actionable, but it is too soon to say."
Each of the new accusers toured with the 35-year-old Grammy winner, born Melissa Jefferson, and worked on her reality show, Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, the outlet confirmed.
Alongside her dance captain Shirlene Quigley and her production company, the Truth Hurts singer is facing allegations of sexual and religious harassment, weight-shaming, assault, false imprisonment and more.
The Juice singer last week took to Instagram to dismiss what she said were "outrageous" and "false" allegations. While Lizzo denied having "body shamed" any of her employees, her lengthy statement did not directly address any other claims.
"My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticised," wrote Lizzo.
"It's never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team... I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something that I am not. There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world."
Williams subsequently told ET she viewed Lizzo's defence as "essentially gaslighting", saying the latter is "constantly deflecting".
News of the additional accusers came a day after the cancellation of the Jay-Z curated 2023 Made in America Festival. The event, which Lizzo and SZA were meant to headline, was axed due to "severe circumstances outside of production control”, according to organisers. - BERNAMA
