Lizzo Faces Lawsuit by Former Dancers; Sees Decline in Social Media Followers

Three of Lizzo’s former dancers, Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis, and Noelle Rodriguez, have filed a lawsuit against the singer, accusing her and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT) of fostering a hostile work environment, harassment, racial and religious discrimination, among other claims. Since the news broke, the artist has faced a significant decline in Instagram followers.

The Complaint

The complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, has several components:

• The plaintiffs allege that they were subjected to harassment while working for the singer.

• They were allegedly encouraged to “take turns touching the nude performers” during a tour in Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

• The complaint also points to Lizzo questioning one of the plaintiffs about weight gain and requiring her to disclose intimate personal details about her life to keep her job.

• The suit also names Lizzo’s production company BGBT and a person described as “dance cast captain” as defendants.

CNN obtained the lawsuit details through an attorney for the plaintiffs.

Lizzo’s Response to the Allegations

Lizzo addressed the complaint publicly on her verified social media accounts, characterizing the claims as “false” and “sensationalized stories.” “These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” her statement reads. Lizzo emphasized her work ethic, morals, respectfulness, and passion for her art. She denied any intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or unvalued. “I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days,” she wrote.

Plaintiffs’ Reaction to Lizzo’s Statement

The three former dancers appeared on “CNN This Morning” Thursday to respond to Lizzo’s statement. Williams expressed disappointment and insisted on focusing on the facts rather than the court of public opinion. Davis found Lizzo’s response disheartening and frustrating.

Fallout on Social Media

According to CrowdTangle, Lizzo’s official Instagram account lost 154,800 followers since the news of the lawsuit broke on Aug. 1. The breakdown:

• On Aug. 1: 14,800 followers lost.

• On Aug. 2: 92,700 followers lost.

• On Aug. 3: 47,200 followers lost.

• The day preceding the complaint: 6,000 followers gained.

As of press time, she still has more than 13.4 million followers on Instagram, meaning she has lost about 1.14 percent of her followers.

Additional Claims

Oscar-nominated director Sophia Nahli Allison separately claimed on social media that she stepped away from directing the star’s Love, Lizzo documentary due to being treated disrespectfully.

Lizzo’s Commitment to Her Art

Despite the allegations, Lizzo has expressed her ongoing commitment to her music, performances, and fans. Her statement emphasizes her passion for her art, high work standards, and her desire to represent herself and her fans authentically.

“I only want to put out the best art that represents me and my fans. With passion comes hard work and high standards,” she wrote in her response.

Lizzo also assured that she would not let this incident overshadow the good work she has done in the world and thanked everyone who reached out to support her during this difficult time.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against Lizzo is a significant development that has affected the singer’s public image and led to a considerable decrease in social media following. While Lizzo has issued a strong response to the allegations, the legal proceedings are expected to draw significant public attention. The situation reflects an ongoing dialogue about workplace conduct and accountability in the entertainment industry, raising essential questions and concerns that resonate beyond the immediate circumstances of this case.