In recent news, the Lizzo sexual harassment lawsuit appears to be progressing towards a trial. To provide a brief recap, last year, the popular artist was sued by three former dancers who accused her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. This controversy seemed contradictory to Lizzo's public persona and values. The dancers' lawyer, Ron Zambrano, expressed his surprise, stating, 'The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly.'
Soon after the lawsuit became public, Lizzo vehemently denied the allegations, calling them 'false' and 'outrageous.' In a statement, she emphasized that she did not want to be seen as a victim but also refuted the media's portrayal of her as a villain. Despite her denial, there was a significant backlash, with more former collaborators stepping forward with their own allegations. Furthermore, scrutiny fell on the lyrics of Lizzo's 2021 song 'Rumors,' specifically the lines where she raps about cutting ties and having non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
As a result of these developments, Lizzo's popularity took a hit. She lost a significant number of Instagram followers, and even Grimes, an unlikely supporter, defended her. More dancers have since come forward with their own lawsuits, exacerbating the situation. Nevertheless, Lizzo received support from her current dancers and even earned the backing of Beyoncé.
Now, according to Billboard, a Los Angeles judge has denied a motion to dismiss the original lawsuit. This decision paves the way for the case to proceed further. Although certain parts of the lawsuit were thrown out, such as allegations related to a nude photoshoot and a dancer claiming she was terminated due to mental health issues, Lizzo and her dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, still face accusations of sexual harassment, racial discrimination, and religious discrimination.
Despite Lizzo's attempt to dismiss the case under California's anti-SLAPP statute, the judge deemed it necessary to consider the allegations and avoid overlooking potential instances of discrimination or misconduct. The anti-SLAPP statute is designed to expedite the dismissal of meritless lawsuits that infringe on free speech.
As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen what will happen next with the Lizzo sexual harassment lawsuit. This case highlights the need for a fair and thorough examination of the allegations while acknowledging the importance of addressing discrimination and misconduct in any environment.
