Lizzo Reveals She Was ‘Blindsided’ by Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Lizzo recently addressed the sexual harassment lawsuit filed against her last year, sharing her side of the story and the impact it had on her life. The Grammy-winning artist was named in a case brought forward by three former backup dancers—Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez—who alleged she had subjected them to inappropriate behavior while on tour. Though Lizzo has since been dismissed from the lawsuit, her company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., remains involved.

The dancers accused Lizzo of coercing them to engage in inappropriate acts at Bananenbar, a club in Amsterdam, during their tour. These claims included allegations that the singer encouraged them to touch nude performers and eat bananas placed in explicit ways. The lawsuit also stated that Lizzo prompted the dancers to participate in catching items launched from performers’ bodies.

In a candid conversation on the podcast Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, Lizzo shared how blindsided she felt when the accusations came to light. She recounted how the allegations emerged just as she was wrapping up her

“Watch Out for the Big Grrrls tour,I was literally living in my dream Then the tour ended, and three ex dancers just completely, like, blindsided me with a lawsuit.”

The singer expressed disbelief and hurt, particularly because she had provided these individuals with career opportunities. Lizzo clarified that the dancers had not been invited to the club by her. She revealed she had gone to Bananenbar alone initially and was surprised when two of the dancers joined her there. “It was no mandatory invitation,” Lizzo explained. “I didn’t even know those two dancers were coming. Only two of them showed up, not all three as they claimed.” She emphasized that the activities at the club were entirely consensual and that her actions had been misrepresented.

While Lizzo acknowledged the evening was meant to be fun, she adamantly denied any wrongdoing. “I did nothing wrong,” she stated, describing her respect and admiration for the dancers before the lawsuit. She expressed particular offense at the sexual harassment allegations, which she believes have been sensationalized. “These types of things are what the media can turn into something it’s not,” she remarked.

Back in 2023, Lizzo addressed the allegations on Instagram, calling them “false” and “outrageous.” She expressed frustration with how her work ethic and morals had been questioned. “These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who admitted their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional,” she wrote. Lizzo highlighted that while she was dismissed from the lawsuit, the claims continue to affect her reputation.

The lawsuit’s allegations against Lizzo gained further attention when her former wardrobe stylist, Asha Daniels, also filed a complaint in September 2023. Daniels accused the singer of fostering a toxic work environment and claimed that harassment and bullying were rampant during the tour. “I witnessed harassment and bullying not only toward myself but also toward the dancers and background singers,” Daniels said in her statement.

Lizzo addressed these additional claims, emphasizing that a judge had reviewed the evidence and ruled in her favor. However, Daniels’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, countered that the case remains active. “The ruling was not for lack of evidence but on procedural jurisdictional grounds,” Zambrano clarified. “This does not absolve Lizzo of the egregious claims that occurred under her watch.”

Despite being cleared from direct involvement, Lizzo acknowledged how the experience has changed her approach to professional relationships. She explained that the accusations have led her to set stricter boundaries with her employees to avoid similar situations in the future. Reflecting on her values, Lizzo expressed disappointment in the legal and public fallout, reiterating her innocence.

For Lizzo, the ordeal highlights the complexities of navigating fame, trust, and professional ethics. As the legal proceedings involving her company continue, Lizzo remains steadfast in defending her character and integrity. While the future of the lawsuit remains uncertain, one thing is clear this chapter has left a significant mark on Lizzo’s career and personal life.