Pop star Lizzo has seen specific allegations of fat-shaming dismissed by a judge in a 2023 lawsuit initiated by three of her former dancers. Lizzo, whose legal name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, addressed the development in a video statement posted on social media.
Claims and Dismissal
Lizzo stated, "There was no evidence that I fired them because they gained weight." She further clarified that the dancers were reportedly terminated for "taking a private recording of me without my consent and sending it off to ex-employees."
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
While the fat-shaming claims have been dismissed, the lawsuit against Lizzo and her production company is proceeding on other allegations. A Los Angeles judge ruled last year that the case could move forward.
Sexual Harassment Allegations
The three former dancers—Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez—allege they were subjected to sexual harassment. Their claims include being pressured into attending sex shows and interacting with nude performers during the period of 2021 to 2023. Specific incidents cited in court documents include allegations that Lizzo "pressured Ms Davis to touch the breasts" of a dancer in an Amsterdam nightclub, and that dancers were asked to consume fruit from the naked bodies of sex club workers. Ms. Davis reportedly complied with the instruction to touch a dancer's breasts due to concerns it could jeopardize her position.
Legal Defenses and Arguments
Lizzo's legal team has previously characterized the lawsuit as a "fabricated sob story." Over the summer, Lizzo's lawyers appealed the decision to advance the sexual harassment claims to trial, arguing that group outings were part of the singer's creative process and should be protected under First Amendment free speech provisions. In response, a lawyer representing the dancers, Ari Stiller, contended that merely claiming inspiration was insufficient to shield such activities. Stiller advocated for the claims to proceed to trial.