Legal Battle Unleashed: Lizzo’s Dancers Vow to Pursue Harassment Lawsuit, Detail Aggressive Litigation Strategy
Lizzo's dancers' lawyers remain resolute in their workplace harassment lawsuit Neama Rahmani, their attorney, discusses their litigation plans in detail, ensuring a strong stance against the alleged misconduct
Three former backup dancers of Lizzo have filed a workplace harassment lawsuit against the musician. They are fully prepared to proceed with their complaint to trial. Attorney Neama Rahmani expressed that while most cases tend to settle, he can envision this case potentially going to trial due to the possibility of entertainers being unwilling to accept any wrongdoing. The next course of action depends on Lizzo's response. If she denies the allegations and refuses to acknowledge any misbehavior, the case will be litigated and taken to trial. Alternatively, if Lizzo acknowledges and apologizes for her and her management's actions towards the women, a resolution may be possible. Ultimately, the decision lies in Lizzo's hands and her actions, along with her legal team, will determine whether the case will be litigated or tried.
On Tuesday, August 1, it was confirmed by US that Lizzo, the Grammy winner aged 35, is facing a lawsuit filed by three of her backup dancers. The dancers, namely Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, have alleged that they experienced a hostile work environment, religious harassment, disability discrimination, and sexual harassment. Represented by Rahmani's firm, West Coast Trial Lawyers, the trio seeks legal resolution.
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The allegations concerning sexual harassment are particularly shocking to me. The inappropriate behavior mentioned includes sexual acts involving dildos, bananas, and explicit body parts. I was informed about a male employee who was naked and being whipped by a female performer who was also naked. Additionally, one of our clients, Arianna, was forced to touch one of the new dancers. This kind of behavior is completely unacceptable in any workplace. It is against the law for Lizzo to coerce her employees to engage in this type of activity.
What makes sexual harassment laws necessary is the power imbalance between employers and employees. I understand that as a boss, it is not appropriate for me to make advances towards my employees, such as asking them out on a date. This is because the power dynamics may make it difficult for them to refuse, out of fear of losing their job.
Lizzo unequivocally dismissed the allegations as "false," "unbelievable," and "too outrageous not to be dealt with" in her response to the lawsuit, which she shared on her Instagram account on Thursday, August 3. Emphasizing her commitment to women's respect worldwide, she stated that she understands the pain of daily body-shaming and would never criticize or fire an employee based on their weight. Despite feeling hurt, Lizzo expressed her determination not to let this overshadow the positive impact she has made in the world.
Rahmani informed us that the way Lizzo addressed the allegations would have an impact on our team's legal strategy going forward. Once Lizzo released her statement on Thursday, attorney Ron Zambrano, Rahmani's colleague, criticized her response.
"In failing her own brand and disappointing her fans, Lizzo's denial of these reprehensible actions only contributes to our clients' emotional distress," Zambrano stated on Thursday. "Her dismissive comments and lack of empathy reveal much about her character and only serve to downplay the harm she has caused the plaintiffs and other employees who have bravely shared their own negative experiences."
Zambrano stated that Lizzo unintentionally made people feel uncomfortable, resulting in demoralization for her dancers and a blatant disregard for the law.
Rahmani expressed that the dancers are deeply upset that Lizzo's on-camera persona does not match her behavior off-camera. He mentioned on Wednesday that they had expected Lizzo to treat them fairly, like the Lizzo they see on TV, but sadly, that wasn't the reality.
Davis, Williams, and Rodriguez have expressed their disappointment over losing their coveted positions and coping with alleged traumatic incidents. However, Rahmani shared that they have found solace in the support of others who have shared similar experiences. Rahmani emphasized the importance of collective strength, drawing parallels to the Me Too movement which shed light not only on the harassment perpetuated by influential individuals but also highlighted the fact that individuals from various backgrounds can harass or discriminate against young women, particularly those from marginalized communities. Rahmani further explained that the victims faced racial discrimination alongside instances of sexual harassment, leaving them utterly devastated. Coping with the loss of their dream job, they are currently in the process of rebuilding their lives.
We has reached Lizzo for comment.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
