The lawyer for the former employees who filed the complaint against rapper Lizzo told CNN that “at least” six other people would also have similar stories about the singer.
Ron Zambrano, attorney for the plaintiffs and partner and president of employment litigation at West Coast Employment Lawyers, said the six people reached out to him after the first complaints were filed.
“We’ve received at least six inquiries from others with similar stories since we filed the complaint,” he said.
Lizzo has been sued by three former dancers who allege they were subjected to a hostile and harassing work environment while working as her dancers.
“Noelle, Crystal and Arianna spoke boldly and shared their experiences, opening the door for others to feel empowered to do the same. Some of the claims we are looking into involve allegations of a sexually charged environment and lack of payment from employees could be actionable, but it’s too early to tell,” Zambrano said.
A CNN reached out to Lizzo’s reps for comment, but has yet to hear back.
The complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court last week and obtained by CNN, also names its production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT) and a person described as “captain of the dance cast” as defendants.
Complaints
One of the three whistleblowers said she was encouraged by the singer to “take turns touching the performers naked” while at a club in Amsterdam’s Red Light District during a tour in February, despite having expressed numerous times that she had no desire to touch the performers. artists. .
Another report says Lizzo expressed “thin-veiled” concerns about the whistleblower’s “weight gain,” according to the lawsuit, causing the person to feel pressured to “explain her weight gain and reveal intimate personal details about her life.” to keep your job. ”
Complainants also allege that they have been subjected to racial and religious discrimination.
What Lizzo says about the allegations
Last week, the artist used her Instagram to comment on the allegations. She regretted having her professional ethics questioned, said that the allegations are false and come from former employees, fired after bad behavior during the tour.
“These last few days have been very difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respect were questioned. My character was criticized. I normally choose not to respond to false allegations, but they are as unbelievable as they come and too outrageous not to be addressed.”
“These sensational stories come from former employees who have publicly admitted they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional,” he wrote.
Late last week, Lizzo took to Instagram to say she was “hurt” by the allegations.
“These last few days have been terribly difficult and extremely disappointing,” his statement read. “My work ethic, morals and respect were called into question. I normally choose not to respond to false allegations, but they are as unbelievable as they come and too outrageous not to be addressed.”
“These sensational stories come from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional,” Lizzo wrote in her response.
“As an artist, I have always been very passionate about what I do. I take my music and my performances seriously because at the end of the day I just want to put out the best art that represents me and my fans. With passion comes effort, hard work and high standards.”
“Sometimes I have to make difficult decisions, but it is never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable, or like they are not valued as an important part of the team,” she wrote, adding that “I am not here to be seen as a victim, But I also know that I’m not the villain that people in the media have portrayed me in recent days.”
“There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it’s like to experience body shame on a daily basis and I would absolutely never criticize or fire an employee because of their weight,” continued Lizzo. “I am hurt, but I will not let the good work I have done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who reached out and supported me in getting me through this difficult time.”
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
