Lizzo is asking the Los Angeles Superior Court to dismiss the “ridiculous” harassment lawsuits filed against her by her former employees.
The 35-year-old Grammy Award-winning singer, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, denied “each and every allegation” made against her in her 31 lines of defense.
Lizzo also noted in her filing that her ex-dancers are “guilty of unclean hands,” which is a legal term that accuses the plaintiff of participating in anything “unethical in relation to the subject of the lawsuit.”
In August, three of Lizzo’s ex-dancers, Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis, and Noelle Rodriguez filed a shocking lawsuit accusing the “Truth Hurts” singer and her team of weight-shaming, sexual harassment, and creating a hostile work environment.
Then, earlier this month a fourth former employee, Asha Daniels, filed a lawsuit claiming she was physically and verbally abused by her manager, Amanda Nomura, when she worked as a wardrobe designer for Lizzo.
She too, also accused the singer of fostering a toxic work environment.
In addition to the lawsuits, the floodgates opened with others like her former creative director and a filmmaker speaking out about her behavior and her toxic work environment.
Lizzo eventually released a public statement saying she is “not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be.”
She added:
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.
Now, the singer is fighting back.
In her response, Lizzo stated that all the plaintiffs “ratified, acquiesced, condoned and/or approved of the acts” mentioned in the suit.
Lizzo’s spokesperson, Stefan Friedman, told Page Six exclusively:
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.
The plaintiffs’ attorney Neama Rahmani begs to differ saying, “Lizzo’s answer consists of boilerplate objections that have nothing to do with the case. The only takeaway is that Lizzo agrees to our clients’ demand for a jury trial.”
Now, that the initial shock and chatter about the lawsuits have settled, Lizzo has resumed living her best life and showing off her grill on Instagram.
Do you think Lizzo is guilty of the things she’s been accused of in the lawsuits?
Let me know in the comments below, or join the convo on our socials. (Facebook, Instagram).
