Despite Lizzo's message of positivity and inclusion, many former collaborators and employees of the singer have come forward recently to allege that she and her team created or allowed a toxic work environment.
After the initial lawsuit was reported, more have come forward with their own experiences about working with the 35-year-old, though no hard proof has been offered to corroborate any of it. Lizzo and an implicated colleague, her dance captain Shirlene Quigley, have both released statements in response.
The singer, in particular, detailed her “gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing” experience.
Here is a timeline of the still-evolving story:
August 1, 2023: NBC News exclusively reports on a bombshell lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on behalf of three former tour dancers that names Lizzo (whose legal name is Melissa Vivianne Jefferson), her company, and her dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, as defendants. The incidents in question seem to have mostly taken place during the first half of 2023. Specifically, the suit accuses Quigley of pressuring her dancers on religious matters and Lizzo of pressuring an uncomfortable dancer to touch a nude performer at an after-party. There are also allegations of weight-shaming, unfair firings, and racially biased attitudes.
August 2, 2023: Others who have worked with Lizzo come forward in support of the dancers. Director Sophia Nahli Allison, who was in 2019 briefly attached to a documentary about the singer, blasts her, calling her “arrogant, self-centred, and unkind.” (An HBOMax documentary, Love, Lizzo, directed by Doug Pray, was released in 2022.)
Dancer Courtney Hollinquest posts a link to an article about the suit to her Instagram Stories and writes, “For clarification, I’m not a part of the lawsuit — but this was very much my experience in my time there,” per JustJared. “Big shoutout to the dancers who had the courage to bring this to light.” Director Quinn Wilson, who worked on many creative projects with Lizzo, reposts Hollinquest's story, adding, “I haven’t been apart of that world for around three years, for a reason. I very much applaude [sic] the dancers' courage to bring this to light. And I grieve parts of my own experience. I'd appreciate space to understand my feelings.”
Artist Asha Efia seems to allude to the situation on her own Stories, writing, “I really don't believe in being a POS boss,” and Wilson reposts that as well.
Additionally, Wilson uploads a post from Reddit about power dynamics in the workplace.
Wilson's girlfriend, musician King Princess, corroborates her story, saying she's seen Wilson be “underpaid, undervalued, and deeply mistreated.”
Wilson reposts King Princess's story, but adds, “And still… Two truths can exist simultaneously.”
August 3, 2023: Lizzo responded to the allegations by posting a statement on numerous Notes app screengrabs to Instagram.
“These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” it reads. "My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.
"These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional. As an artist I have always been very passionate about what I do. I take my music and my performances seriously because at the end of the day I only want to put out the best art that represents me and my fans. With passion comes hard work and standards. Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it's never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren't valued as an important part of the team.
"I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days. I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not. There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. 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.
“I'm hurt but I will not let the good work I've done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time.”
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August 4, 2023: After initially sharing a religious video that baffled many after what she has been accused of, Quigley shared her own statement in response to the allegations against her.
“It is with a heavy heart that I address the recent allegations that have surfaced over the past few days. I want to categorically state that these accusations are not only baseless but also profoundly hurtful,” she posted.
"Throughout my twenty-year tenure in this industry, my success has been a result not just of hard work and dedication to my craft, but also of my unwavering commitment to my integrity and authenticity. While it pains me to see individuals whom I supported resort to filing false allegations against me, I choose to embrace compassion for whatever challenging circumstances they are going through, rather than feed into the negativity.
"I am steadfast in my determination to navigate this situation with grace and dignity, keeping in mind the tremendous love and passion I hold for my craft, the extraordinary people I have been fortunate to meet and collaborate with, and the unmovable faith that guides me.
“My priority remains in preserving the artistry and dedication that has defined my career. I am grateful for the continued support and understanding from my family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time.”
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Wednesday 9, 2023: There might be more allegations against Lizzo coming soon.
Ron Zambrano, the lawyer who represented the three initial dancers who took out a lawsuit against the singer, has told NBC News that his law firm is looking at fresh allegations from six people. He added that some of the claims were potentially actionable and contained accusations of a “sexually charged environment” and failure to pay staff.
These six new claimants reportedly have toured with Lizzo and include other dancers, and some starred on her reality TV show Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.
Lizzo is yet to comment on these latest allegations. This post will be updated.
A version of this article originally appeared in GLAMOUR (US).
