Lizzo Speaks Out on Sexual Harassment Lawsuit: “These Are People I Gave Opportunities To”
In her first in-depth interview since facing a sexual harassment lawsuit, pop icon Lizzo opened up about the allegations and the toll they’ve taken on her. Sitting down with Keke Palmer on the Baby, This is Keke Palmer podcast, the Grammy-winning artist shared her thoughts on the unexpected turn of events that followed her career’s peak in 2023.
A Year of Highs and Lows
“2023 was an incredible year for me,” Lizzo, 36, began. “It was the pinnacle of my career—we won Record of the Year at the Grammys for ‘About Damn Time,’ I embarked on my first-ever arena tour, and I brought the amazing ‘Big Grrrl’ dancers from Watch Out for the Big Grrls on stage with me every night. I was truly living my dream.”
But her euphoria didn’t last long. In the summer, three former backup dancers—Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez—filed a lawsuit against Lizzo and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, alleging misconduct, including sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment.
“The tour ended, and suddenly, these three former dancers filed a lawsuit against me,” Lizzo told Palmer. “I was completely blindsided—there was no warning.”
Betrayal and Confusion
Lizzo described the emotional impact of the lawsuit, saying, “It broke my heart because these were three former dancers who weren’t even on tour with us at the end. But even so, these were people I gave opportunities to, people I liked and respected as dancers. So, I was like, What?”
The allegations included claims that Lizzo pressured dancers to interact with nude performers at a nightclub and encouraged inappropriate behavior. “Hearing accusations of sexual harassment made me think, What are they trying to do? It felt like the media took it and turned it into something it wasn’t.”
Addressing the Allegations
In their lawsuit, the dancers accused Lizzo of creating a toxic environment and even weight-shaming them—a particularly shocking claim given Lizzo’s outspoken advocacy for body positivity.
One of the most sensational accusations involved an alleged incident at a nightclub where the dancers claimed they were coerced into touching nude performers and eating bananas from explicit places. Lizzo firmly denied these claims.
“I never forced anyone to come to the club with me,” she clarified. “I invited them out of politeness. To call these accusations ridiculous would be an understatement, but the sexual harassment allegations are what upset me the most.”
Despite the backlash, Lizzo remains adamant: “Let me be clear—I didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t regret anything because I know who I am, but I’ve learned from this. It’s taught me how to grow as a leader.”
Fighting for the Truth
While Lizzo continues to deny all allegations, the legal battle persists. One lawsuit has already been dismissed, but Lizzo refuses to settle.
“There’s a reason I’m still fighting when most people in the public eye would have settled by now,” a source close to the singer told. “These accusations are false and cannot stand. Lizzo won’t stop until every single one of these absurd claims is dismissed.”
The case involving Davis, Williams, and Rodriguez remains active, and their attorney, Ron Zambrano, issued a statement responding to Lizzo’s podcast comments.
“Lizzo fails to understand the power dynamics between a global celebrity boss and young employees just starting their careers,” Zambrano said. “We stand by our claims and are ready to prove everything in court.”
For Lizzo, the ordeal has been a wake-up call about navigating fame and leadership. “I never imagined I’d be here—having to defend myself against accusations so far from the truth,” she admitted. “But I’m not backing down. I’ll continue to grow, and I’ll continue to fight.”
As the lawsuit plays out, Lizzo’s determination to protect her name and career remains unwavering. Whether in court or on stage, she’s committed to her journey—and to living her truth.
