Current:Home > FinanceLizzo's lawyers ask judge to dismiss former dancers' lawsuit, deny harassment allegations-InfoLens
Lizzo's lawyers ask judge to dismiss former dancers' lawsuit, deny harassment allegations
View Date:2024-12-23 15:50:04
Lizzo's legal team has issued a response to a lawsuit filed by her former backup dancers last month, which detailed allegations of sexual, racial and religious harassment, including claims that the singer weight shamed them.
In a Wednesday court filing obtained by USA TODAY, lawyers for Lizzo and her tour company denied the allegations plaintiffs Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis and Noelle Rodriguez made against Lizzo − real name Melissa Jefferson − Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. and Shirlene Quigley, the singer's dance team captain.
Lizzo's lawyers asked the judge to dismiss the case and "deny generally and specifically each and every allegation contained in the complaint," the filing reads. They also deny that the dancers "have sustained any injury or loss by reason of any act or omission on the part of Defendants."
Stefan Friedman, a spokesperson for Lizzo, said in a statement to USA TODAY: "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.
"Any and all claims to the contrary are ridiculous, and we look forward to proving so in a court of law."
An attorney for the dancers, Neama Rahmani, responded to Lizzo's filing in a statement on Thursday, saying it "merely consists of boilerplate objections that have nothing to do with the case."
"That said, the key takeaway is that Lizzo is agreeing to our clients' demand for a jury trial," Rahmani said. "We look forward to presenting our case in court and letting a panel of her peers decide who is telling the truth."
'I needed this'Lizzo tearfully accepts humanitarian award after 2 lawsuits filed against her
Lizzo previously denied her former dancers' allegations
Lizzo previously denied the dancers' allegations on social media, writing in an Instagram post on Aug. 3 that "these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to be addressed." She said the allegations "are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional."
She added, "I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight."
Since then, a second lawsuit against Lizzo was filed by Rahmani's legal firm on behalf of her tour's former wardrobe designer. In the lawsuit, clothing designer Asha Daniels, who designed custom pieces for Lizzo's dancers last year, accused the singer and people who worked on Lizzo's The Special Tour of sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination and creating a hostile work environment.
Lizzo spoke out publicly for the first time last week at the Black Music Action Coalition gala, which took place hours after the second lawsuit was filed.
"I needed this right now. God's timing is on time," Lizzo told the crowd on Sept. 21, alluding to the lawsuits. "I didn't write a speech because I don't know what to say in times like these."
veryGood! (66)
Related
- Horoscopes Today, November 13, 2024
- Is it time to buy an AI-powered Copilot+ PC?
- After Helene’s destruction, a mountain town reliant on fall tourism wonders what’s next
- WNBA playoff games today: What to know about Tuesday's semifinal matchups
- Black, red or dead: How Omaha became a hub for black squirrel scholarship
- Erin Foster Shares Where She Stands With Step-Siblings Gigi Hadid and Brody Jenner
- Facing more clergy abuse lawsuits, Vermont’s Catholic Church files for bankruptcy
- Pennsylvania county manager sued over plans to end use of drop boxes for mail-in ballots
- Beyoncé has released lots of new products. Here's a Beyhive gift guide for the holidays
- Police officer fatally shoots man at a home, New Hampshire attorney general says
Ranking
- Will the NBA Cup become a treasured tradition? League hopes so, but it’s too soon to tell
- Pennsylvania county manager sued over plans to end use of drop boxes for mail-in ballots
- Morgan Wallen donates $500K for Hurricane Helene relief
- 2024 National Book Awards finalists list announced: See which titles made it
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul press conference highlights: 'Problem Child' goads 'Iron Mike'
- Kristin Cavallari Says Custody Arrangement With Ex Jay Cutler Has Changed
- 'McNeal' review: Robert Downey Jr.’s new Broadway play is an endurance test
- California sues Catholic hospital for denying emergency abortion
Recommendation
-
1 million migrants in the US rely on temporary protections that Trump could target
-
John Amos, 'Good Times' and 'Roots' trailblazer and 'Coming to America' star, dies at 84
-
Maryland announces juvenile justice reforms and launch of commission
-
Gossip Girl's Kelly Rutherford Shares Update on Life in Monaco After Years-Long Custody Battle
-
Caitlin Clark has one goal for her LPGA pro-am debut: Don't hit anyone with a golf ball
-
Officials warned electric vehicles can catch fire in Helene flooding: What to know
-
13-year-old Michigan girl charged with murder in stabbing death of younger sister
-
Raven-Symoné Mourns Death of Her Dad Christopher B. Pearman