Amidst the ongoing legal battle between Grammy-winning artist Lizzo and her former dancers, a glimmer of positivity has emerged from the shadows. Lizzo’s Big Grrl and Big Boiii dancers, taking to Instagram, shared their gratitude and fond memories of their time on The Special Tour. They applauded Lizzo’s unwavering commitment to character and culture, which they highlighted as the guiding force behind their shared experiences. This declaration of support sheds light on the other side of the narrative, countering the recent allegations of harassment, assault, and discrimination brought forth by a trio of Lizzo’s former dancers.
The trio—comprising Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez—had taken legal action against Lizzo, accusing her of subjecting them to a hostile work environment. They alleged being body-shamed, enduring grueling auditions for their roles, and facing restrictive retainers. These claims have ignited a legal battle that has garnered significant media attention.
Lizzo herself responded to the allegations with a passionate Instagram post, where she characterized the claims as sensationalized and rooted in inappropriate behavior that had already been addressed with the former employees. The lawsuit names Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and Shirlene Quigley, the head of the performer’s dance team, as defendants. The lawsuit alleges disturbing incidents, including forced participation in explicit performances, religious confrontations, and accusations of false imprisonment. The post is shown below.
In the midst of these conflicting narratives, a heartening display of support arose from none other than Beyoncé. At Lizzo’s recent show in Atlanta, Beyoncé took a moment during her performance of “Break My Soul (The Queens Remix)” to acknowledge influential women throughout history, with Lizzo being among the mentioned figures. This act of solidarity from Beyoncé underscores the interconnectedness of the music industry and the power of influential artists to uplift and stand by one another.
The contrasting perspectives offered by Lizzo’s current dancers and her former colleagues exemplify the complexity of workplace dynamics, the importance of fostering a supportive environment, and the broader conversations around respect and representation within the entertainment industry. As the legal proceedings continue, this chapter in Lizzo’s journey serves as a reminder of the multi-dimensional challenges faced by artists and the significance of fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding.
Written by
Derek Chan – Editor
