Rapper Lizzo countersues former backup dancers following harassment lawsuit
August has proven to be a tumultuous month for Lizzo, as allegations have emerged from her former backup dancers accusing the American rapper of sexual harassment, religious discrimination, weight-shaming, and fostering a toxic work environment.
These claims prompted the dancers to file a lawsuit earlier this month. In a retaliatory move, Lizzo has now revealed her intention to sue the plaintiffs for what she deems 'malicious prosecution'.
Lizzo's legal team, led by attorney Marty Singer, has unveiled new evidence in response to the sexual harassment lawsuit. Recently surfaced photographs depict Lizzo's accusers engaging in jovial interactions with performers from a topless cabaret show in Paris.
These images cast doubt on the veracity of the plaintiffs' allegations and their perceived discomfort, as they appear to be "happily carousing" and "gleefully reveling" backstage during Lizzo's tour in March.
The backdrop to this legal clash began in early August when Lizzo's former backup dancers lodged a sexual harassment lawsuit against her.
The dancers claimed that Lizzo pressured them into physical contact with nude performers against their wishes during a sexually themed show at a club in Amsterdam's Red Light District in February.
Marty Singer, representing Lizzo, issued a statement asserting that the images capturing the plaintiffs' apparent enjoyment were taken after their visit to Amsterdam's Bananenbar in February—a key point of contention in their lawsuit.
It looks like Lizzo is preparing to fight back against her accusers' claims with a lawsuit of her own. https://t.co/zLCPDiQmP5
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 24, 2023
Singer underscored the contradiction between the plaintiffs' claims of being coerced into attending the Paris topless show and their contentment displayed in the photographs.
Interestingly, a month after the Paris incident, one of the plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, submitted an audition tape for Lizzo's TV show, "Watch Out for the Big Grrrls." In the video, Davis expressed admiration for Lizzo and a desire to emulate her path. Singer disclosed that Davis later indicated that her accusations against Lizzo were rooted in subsequent events.
Singer elaborated that these unequivocal photos and videos, coupled with other compelling evidence, underscore the glaring disparities between the plaintiffs' allegations and the actual facts. He asserted that the lawsuit lacks credibility and that Lizzo will pursue a counterclaim for malicious prosecution once the baseless claims are dismissed.
Neama Rahmani, attorney for Davis, Williams, and Rodriguez, contended that the plaintiffs' appearance of happiness in the photographs alongside Lizzo during their employment stemmed from their need to maintain their livelihoods, given financial obligations and bills. Rahmani affirmed that despite these images, the plaintiffs stand by their claims and eagerly anticipate the trial, as conveyed in a statement to PEOPLE magazine.