The former dancers that sued Lizzo are doubling down on their allegations of a hostile work environment after the famous singer tried to wave off their complaints as “outrageous” accusations.
Dancers Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis and Noelle Rodriquez insist their allegations ring true and are pushing back against Lizzo’s response, according to People. “We were treated poorly. Nobody did anything about it when we tried to speak up and advocate for ourselves. So now we’re doing it,” Williams said to People one week after the lawsuit was filed. “I know that my mind feels a lot clearer. There was a lot of anxiety and a lot of feelings of being overwhelmed once our suit was made public,” she said. “But today, I feel very proud to be pursuing this with these ladies.”
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The bombshell allegations prompted Lizzo to release a lengthy statement to social media, but the dancers remain steadfast in their allegations against the star. They cite several alleged employment violations, including assault, and sexual, racial, and religious harassment. The former dancers also claimed to have endured weight shaming and false imprisonment at Lizzo’s hands, according to People.
The law suit was filed August 1, and Lizzo’s rebuttal followed two days later.
“My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticize,” she wrote to her social media account.
She went on to say “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.” (RELATED: Jury Clears Kevin Spacey Of Sexual Assault)
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Williams and Davis claim wrongful termination, and Rodriguez stands by her claim that she she resigned from her role to protest their firings.
The dancers said they were not allowed to take other jobs during the duration of their tour with Lizzo, and claimed they were scolded by someone on the management team for portraying “unacceptable and disrespectful” behavior” that they allege was grounds for termination by Lizzo.
The two parties remain divided.