Current:Home > StocksLizzo's lawyers ask judge to dismiss former dancers' lawsuit, deny harassment allegations-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Lizzo's lawyers ask judge to dismiss former dancers' lawsuit, deny harassment allegations
View Date:2024-12-23 23:55:39
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! (65)
Related
- 'Red One' review: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans embark on a joyless search for Santa
- How Bad Bunny Protects His Personal Life Amid Kendall Jenner Romance Rumors
- Rumer Willis Shares Photo of Bruce Willis Holding First Grandchild
- Inside Clean Energy: Sunrun and Vivint Form New Solar Goliath, Leaving Tesla to Play David
- Study finds Wisconsin voters approved a record number of school referenda
- This Jennifer Aniston Editing Error From a 2003 Friends Episode Will Have You Doing a Double Take
- Researchers looking for World War I-era minesweepers in Lake Superior find a ship that sank in 1879
- Hundreds of ready-to-eat foods are recalled over possible listeria contamination
- Mattel says it ‘deeply’ regrets misprint on ‘Wicked’ dolls packaging that links to porn site
- How much prison time could Trump face if convicted on Espionage Act charges? Recent cases shed light
Ranking
- Get well, Pop. The Spurs are in great hands until your return
- Inside Clean Energy: Sunrun and Vivint Form New Solar Goliath, Leaving Tesla to Play David
- Kesha Shares She Almost Died After Freezing Her Eggs
- Inside Clean Energy: With Planned Closing of North Dakota Coal Plant, Energy Transition Comes Home to Rural America
- Maine dams face an uncertain future
- Find 15 Gifts for the Reader in Your Life in This Book Lover Starter Pack
- Justice Dept to appeal length of prison sentences for Stewart Rhodes, Oath Keepers for Jan. 6 attack
- Hong Kong bans CBD, a move that forces businesses to shut down or revamp
Recommendation
-
Two 'incredibly rare' sea serpents seen in Southern California waters months apart
-
Attention, Wildcats: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Is Ending After Season 4
-
Wildfire Smoke: An Emerging Threat to West Coast Wines
-
Bear attacks and severely injures sheepherder in Colorado
-
Diddy's ex-bodyguard sues rape accuser for defamation over claims of 2001 assault
-
Latest on Ukraine: EU just banned Russian diesel and other oil products (Feb. 6)
-
Sarah Jessica Parker Breaks Silence on Kim Cattrall's “Sentimental” And Just Like That Cameo
-
More evacuations in Los Angeles County neighborhood impacted by landslide as sewer breaks