- The lawyer for Lizzo’s backup dancers called it ’embarrassing’ that the pop star was an opening act for President Joe Biden’s $25 million fundraiser in New York
- Lizzo performed her hit, About Damn Time, before Biden and former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama took the stage at Radio City Music Hall
- She was sued in August by three backup dancers for creating a hostile work environment, including charges of sexually derogatory conduct
The attorney for Lizzo’s backup dancers called it “embarrassing” that she was booked to perform at Thursday night’s $25 million fundraiser in New York City for President Joe Biden.
Lizzo performed her hit “About Damn Time” ahead of Biden’s performance with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, which was repeatedly interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters.
The pop star was sued in August by three backup dancers – Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez – for creating a hostile work environment, including weight shaming and sexually derogatory behavior.
“It is shameful that Lizzo would be chosen to headline an event like this amid such blatant allegations,” said their attorney Ron Zambrano. told NewsNation. “Without going into politics, I can’t imagine why anyone would want Lizzo to represent them in any way given her despicable behavior. It’s just a terrible look.’
The lawsuit was filed against Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, her production company, and her dance captain Shirlene Quigley.
Lizzo performed her hit “About Damn Time” ahead of President Joe Biden’s performance with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton Thursday night at Radio City Music Hall, which was repeatedly interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters
President Joe Biden (center) points his fingers at the audience next to former President Barack Obama (left) and former President Bill Clinton (right). Lawyer for Lizzo’s backup dancers called it ’embarrassing’ that she was booked as the president’s opening act
The dancers’ salacious allegations include that they were forced to touch nude performers during a visit to an Amsterdam strip club in late February 2023.
The pop star “began inviting cast members to take turns touching the naked performers, catching the dildos launched from the performers’ vaginas, and eating bananas protruding from the performers’ vaginas,” the suit said.
“Lizzo then turned her attention to Ms. Davis and began pressuring Ms. Davis to touch the breasts of one of the naked women,” the message continued.
Davis also claims she was ridiculed for being a virgin, with Quigley discussing the subject in interviews and on social media.
‘The past few days have been incredibly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respect have been questioned. There is criticism of my character. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations, but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to be addressed,” Lizzo said in a statement on Instagram A few days later.
“These sensational stories come from former employees who have already publicly admitted that their behavior during the tour was inappropriate and unprofessional,” the pop star added.
Before filing charges, Davis and Williams were fired, while Rodriguez quit.
Last month, a judge ruled that the lawsuit against the dancers could proceed, but dismissed some charges, including an accusation that Lizzo had defamed one of her dancers.
Zambrano accused Lizzo of using “the same playbook” as P. Diddy, who has been accused of a number of crimes, including sexual misconduct, including rape and sexual assault.
“History keeps receipts and years from now people will be ashamed that they worked with her,” the lawyer said of Lizzo. “Lizzo’s reckoning is coming. This is just the beginning of the music industry’s #MeToo moment with accusations against Lizzo, Diddy and others.”
“We strive to end this misogynistic behavior throughout the industry and look forward to hearing from not only more potential Lizzo accusers, but also anyone who feels other artists have wronged them,” Zambrano said.