Lizzo denies sexual harassment allegations from ex-dancers: ‘I did nothing wrong’

Lizzo denies sexual harassment allegations from ex-dancers: 'I did nothing wrong'

As a strong advocate for women and someone who has faced my own fair share of challenges in the industry, I find myself deeply saddened by the ongoing allegations against Lizzo. It is unfortunate that power dynamics can sometimes lead to situations where employees feel pressured or uncomfortable, regardless of whether it’s with a boss or a global celebrity.

Lizzo candidly discusses how a breakthrough year in her profession has evolved into one of the most challenging.

Last summer, the artist behind the hit “About Damn Time” had just completed her first arena tour when three ex-dancers from her touring group filed a wide-ranging harassment lawsuit against her, her touring company, and the dance captain. About a month later, Asha Daniels, a fashion designer who worked on costumes for Lizzo’s tour dancers, filed a separate harassment and discrimination lawsuit.

Lizzo denies sexual harassment allegations from ex-dancers: 'I did nothing wrong'

Hollywood Inc.

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Lizzo’s brand was built on empowerment and acceptance. Her accusers tell another story

Lizzo’s public image as a symbol of empowerment and self-love could potentially be tarnished due to legal action brought forth by ex-backup dancers.

Lizzo expressed that she was living the ideal life in her own words on the “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” podcast, which marked her first interview since the lawsuit announcement. A few days later, she was taken aback by a series of accusations that seemed to appear suddenly and unexpectedly, as she put it.

In response to the lawsuit filed by some of her dancers, the four-time Grammy winner expressed deep disappointment as they were individuals she had offered opportunities to, with whom she held a fondness and high regard.

Lizzo said her legal team plans to fight until all claims against her are dismissed.

In August 2023, dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez submitted a claim, stating that they experienced a toxic work atmosphere and various types of mistreatment during their tenure with Lizzo.

Lizzo denies sexual harassment allegations from ex-dancers: 'I did nothing wrong'

California

Jay-Z aims to have a lawsuit alleging rape against him thrown out, following the accuser’s admission of numerous discrepancies in their account of the purported incident.

Previously, Williams stated to The Times, “It’s incredibly difficult to accept that someone who appeared nearly infallible, committed such numerous wrongdoings.” He felt compelled to speak out publicly because this behavior is not isolated to her, but rather it’s a norm in the entertainment industry at large.

One of the claims made by the dancers in this ongoing lawsuit is that the founder of Yitty coerced both the plaintiffs and her staff to participate in events where nudity and sexuality were central, as stated in their complaint. They provide examples from the burlesque club Crazy Horse Paris and the erotic bar Bananenbar Amsterdam, citing instances where they felt compelled to join Lizzo’s requests to interact with naked dancers due to the fear of losing their jobs.

Lizzo clarified on Thursday that her evenings spent socializing with her team were simply enjoyable gatherings among friends. She emphasized that these events weren’t obligatory and any activities that transpired during them were consensual.

She shared with Palmer her account of the evening at Crazy Horse Paris, where she encountered the dancers, shared laughter and conversation. “There are pictures and recordings,” she added, “depicting the trio – former dancers who are currently suing me – enjoying themselves in a video. Afterward, we all returned to our hotels. One of the allegations against me is sexual harassment.

Lizzo denies sexual harassment allegations from ex-dancers: 'I did nothing wrong'

Music

In response to sexual harassment accusations, Lizzo shares in a video that creating music and connecting with her audience brings her immeasurable joy. Earlier, she had expressed ‘I’ve Had Enough.’ (This paraphrase maintains the original sentiment while using more natural and conversational language.)

Lizzo mentioned that earlier on, she found it puzzling as to why her musical colleagues maintained a certain distance from their team. However, now she understands the reasons behind it.

She expressed that this encounter helped her learn to establish such limits, not only for their protection, but also for safeguarding herself, she added.

Regarding the allegation by Davis that I body-shamed her and suggested her weight gain indicated a decrease in dedication to her craft, I firmly refute this claim. In a conversation with Palmer, I stated emphatically, “I never uttered those words.

According to Lizzo, “Things that simply didn’t occur” involve actions like cracking her knuckles, balling her fists, and retaliating against perceived threats, which the dancer claimed happened after Rodriguez stepped down, as stated in the lawsuit.

Lizzo denies sexual harassment allegations from ex-dancers: 'I did nothing wrong'

Music

As a passionate cinephile, I’m sharing an update about Megan Thee Stallion. She’s requested another protective order against Tory Lanez, claiming that even from behind bars, he continues to bother her, using intermediaries as his means of contact.

Lizzo pointed out a hidden aspect of celebrity, saying, ‘This is what you unwittingly agree to when you become famous.’ People tend to blindly accept negative rumors about you.

The dancers’ attorney Ron Zambrano addressed Lizzo’s comments Thursday in a statement.

Zambrano stated that Lizzo seems unaware of the pressure these new team members might feel when invited by their famous boss, who spends little time with them.

In the relationship between a boss and an employee, there’s a power dynamic that Lizzo seems unaware of, according to him. He reaffirmed the allegations in the lawsuit, stating they are ready to present all evidence in court, with Lizzo testifying under oath before a jury, not using a podcast as a platform for justifications and falsehoods.

Lizzo denies sexual harassment allegations from ex-dancers: 'I did nothing wrong'

Music

As a passionate movie lover, I’m sharing a recent update about Lizzo: she’s asked Los Angeles authorities to dismiss a lawsuit filed against her for harassment and discrimination by a New York fashion designer. Lizzo asserted that these accusations are baseless and sensational in nature.

Individually, Zambrano amended Lizzo’s comment during the podcast about Daniels’ independent lawsuit. Instead of referring to it as “dismissed,” he adjusted the language to reflect a more accurate description.

Earlier this month, a federal judge decided that Daniels cannot sue Lizzo personally, but Lizzo’s touring company is still involved in the lawsuit. The judge also dismissed several claims related to Daniels’ work for Lizzo in Europe, as American labor laws are not applicable there.

In response to queries, Zambrano stated via People that the lawsuit against Lizzo is still ongoing and has not been thrown out. The decision was based on technicalities related to the court’s jurisdiction, not an absence of evidence. Far from clearing Lizzo of the serious allegations that took place under her supervision.

A hearing in the dancers’ case is scheduled for Jan. 14.

In the meantime, Lizzo made it clear to Palmer that she continues to inspire Black women and is willing to acknowledge her errors when they occur.

Lizzo denies sexual harassment allegations from ex-dancers: 'I did nothing wrong'

Music

The therapist who helped mediate Dr. Dre’s divorce with his ex-wife, Nicole Young, has filed a lawsuit against him for alleged civil harassment, and is also seeking $10 million in damages.

She emphasized her continued trust in women and victims, noting that her own experience won’t alter that stance. However, she stressed that anyone shouldn’t be allowed to make unsubstantiated claims about someone else, spread them through media outlets, and solicit funds.

The performer mentioned that she’s been working through the happenings of the last year while creating her upcoming album, a fact not yet publicly disclosed. “Everything is going into my work,” she said. “That’s something I’ve always done.

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2024-12-20 22:31

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