Lizzo, the 35-year-old powerhouse behind hits like “Truth Hurts,” is gearing up for a legal showdown. Reports have emerged that she’s not only planning to defend herself against the backup dancers who are taking her to court but also intends to strike back with her own legal action.
It’s a classic case of he said, she said. Lizzo is facing allegations from her backup dancers – Ariana Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez – who have accused her of sexual harassment and creating a toxic work environment. But Lizzo’s not taking these claims lightly. She’s armed with what she believes is substantial evidence to dismantle these allegations.
What’s her ammo, you ask? Well, it’s all about the photos. A set of newly surfaced images seems to show the accusers having a jolly good time backstage in Paris, shortly after a rather scandalous incident involving a banana. You remember that banana hullabaloo, right? The dancers had pointed to this incident as part of their case against Lizzo.
Lizzo’s attorney, Marty Singer, has been vocal about these photos. He told TMZ that they depict the accusers “happily carousing” and “gleefully reveling” backstage, all in the company of performers from a topless cabaret show in Paris. What’s more, these shenanigans occurred around March 5th, roughly a month after the controversial banana event that the dancers are citing in their claims.
But let’s backtrack a bit. What’s this banana business all about? Well, apparently, there’s a claim that Lizzo coerced the dancers into consuming bananas in a rather unconventional manner during a performance. The three dancers argued that they were compelled to attend a topless show, where this banana spectacle happened. However, Lizzo’s legal team insists that these photos present a stark contradiction to the accusers’ version of events. They’re captured “happily cavorting backstage” with the same topless dancers they claim to have been mistreated alongside.
And there’s more to it. Lizzo’s camp points out that despite the alleged issues, these dancers chose to renew their contracts with Lizzo and even rejoined her tour for the third leg. So, if things were as unbearable as they’ve suggested, the decision to stick around raises some questions.
On the flip side, the dancers’ attorney, Neama Rahmani, remains steadfast. She acknowledges that the dancers needed their jobs but emphasizes that they eventually couldn’t tolerate the perceived abuse any longer. According to her, they stand firm in their claims and eagerly anticipate the trial ahead. Moreover, she raises concerns about Lizzo’s treatment of her employees, citing a Los Angeles Times article that sheds light on how Lizzo used personal footage of her dancers without their approval in a documentary.
Lizzo’s attorney isn’t backing down either. He’s not only relying on these backstage photos but also teasing that there’s “substantial evidence” waiting in the wings. He claims that this evidence will spotlight the glaring contradictions between the plaintiffs’ assertions and the facts at hand. Furthermore, he boldly labels the accusers’ lawsuit a “sham.”
So, there you have it. Lizzo is ready to take on her accusers in court with what she believes is a solid defense. As the drama unfolds, it’s a story that underscores the complexities of legal battles and the weight of evidence in such cases.
