Lizzo's former dancers are 'disheartned' by singer's response to their lawsuit
Lizzo's former dancers who previously filed a lawsuit against the singer say they are 'shocked' and 'disheartened' by Lizzo's new statement denying the bullying and sexual harassment they allegedly experienced while working for her.
The About Damn Time singer is being sued by her former dancers Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis and Noelle Rodriguez for alleged discrimination, sexual harassment, and creating a hostile work environment. The 35-year-old singer claimed that these allegations are untrue, and that she previously warned the dancers regarding their own "inappropriate and unprofessional" behavior.
The three dancers told Channel 4 news they found Lizzo's statement "disheartening" and believe that her reputation for being a celebrity that stands for body positivity and woman empowerment is "performative." In the interview, Crystal shared that Lizzo's statement furthered her disappointment about the ordeal and that she and the other dancers felt their concerns were being "disregarded completely."
Crystal Williams, a former dancer of Lizzo, says she feels "disregarded completely" following the singer's statement responding to their lawsuit (INSTAGRAM)
Former dancer Arianna Davis calls Lizzo's calls on woman empowerment and body positivity "performative" (INSTAGRAM)Crystal said Lizzo's response made the dancers feel like they were sharing false allegations, when she says that this was not the case. In the interview, the dancer said: "So yes, it was very disheartening to read and feel overlooked especially when she [Lizzo] stands for what she stands for in regards to women's empowerment - being an advocate for mental health - being an advocate for body positivity - and to just further prove that that's not the case, because nothing was acknowledged in that statement."
The three were then questioned whether the ordeal hurt more because they admired and looked up to Lizzo. Arianna responded: "It does hurt more. I look up to the fact she was using her platform to address issues that other artists weren't doing but knowing her now, it was performative."
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Noelle Rodriguez, former dancer for Lizzo, says that she is not trying to "villainse" the singer, they are just trying to hold her accountable (INSTAGRAM)
Lizzo responded to her former dancer's lawsuit denying the claims and said she warned them previously regarding their own "inappropriate" behaviour (zz/GOTPAP/STAR MAX/IPx)Noelle was asked if she believes her lawsuit against the singer will undermine Lizzo's activism. To this, Noelle said: "I don't think so. We're not trying to villainise her - we're just trying to hold her accountable. We think she is capable of maybe changing the way she goes about things." The other dancer, Arianna, agreed with Noelle saying that the goodness someone puts into the world will always stay there and will not be overlooked, but "two things can be true at the same time."
The dancers then explained why they were allegedly terminated as dancers for Lizzo. Crystal shared that in her specific situation she was laid off due to budget cuts and did not have anything to do with allegations against Lizzo. After her termination, Crystal claims she tried to speak to the singer about being laid off and her management declined.
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