Lizzo’s lawyers have denied the allegations made by her former dancers in a lawsuit against her last month.
On August 1st: Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against Lizzo, claiming she shamed, sexually harassed and physically threatened her. The statement of claim detailed the dancers’ statements, including an allegation that the singer pressured them to touch naked performers at a club in Amsterdam’s red light district.
Lizzo’s lawyers filed a document in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday evening outlining more than 30 defenses to the dancers’ allegations. They also said Lizzo had “legitimate business reasons” for her alleged actions, according to a copy of the document seen by HuffPost.
The filing marks the first time Lizzo’s lawyers have officially responded to her former dancers’ lawsuit.
“This is the first step in a legal process in which Lizzo and her team will demonstrate that they have always practiced what they have preached – whether in promoting body positivity, leading a safe and supportive workplace or protecting “Individuals from any kind of harassment,” said Stefan Friedman, a spokesman for Lizzo. according to NBC News. “Any claims to the contrary are ridiculous and we look forward to proving this in court.”
The dancers’ attorney, Neama Rahmani, dismissed the request from Lizzo’s legal team in a statement Thursday as “model objections that have nothing to do with the case.” But a “key finding” Rahmani cited in the document was that Lizzo agreed to a jury trial that the ex-dancers had requested.
“We look forward to presenting our case in court and letting a panel of their peers decide who is telling the truth, Lizzo and her team who continue to shame the victims or plaintiffs, and so many others who have come forward and very much tell similar stories of abuse and harassment,” Rahmani said in the statement.
Lizzo has described the dancers’ allegations as “incredible”, “outrageous” and “sensational stories”. Since the lawsuit was filed last month, more former employees have made allegations against her.
The singer’s former wardrobe designer, Asha Daniels, made similar allegations last week a lawsuit against Lizzo, Their tour company and wardrobe manager Amanda Nomura accused them of sexual and racial harassment, assault and failure to prevent a hostile work environment on tour.