Lizzo Says Dancers’ Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Is Attack On Free Speech Rights In New Appeal

‘Truth Hurts’ hitmaker Lizzo is asserting that lingering sexual harassment lawsuit filed by her former dancers hurts her ability to speak freely – a privilege her legal team contends is her constitutional right.

via: BET

In a recent appeal, the Grammy-winning singer’s legal team urged the court to dismiss the case, citing California’s anti-SLAPP law—a statute designed to protect individuals from lawsuits that threaten free speech.

The lawsuit, initially filed in August 2023 by Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, accuses Lizzo of sexual harassment, discrimination, and fostering a hostile work environment. While some claims were dismissed earlier this year, a judge allowed the core of the case to proceed toward a jury trial.

“Plaintiffs’ suit [is] an attack on Lizzo’s First Amendment right to perform her music and advocate for body positivity,” her attorneys argued in the appeal, according to Billboard. “Rather than accept personal accountability, plaintiffs filed this shotgun action, taking aim at nearly every facet of Lizzo’s creative process.”

The defense maintains that some of the behavior described in the lawsuit—including an infamous outing to a nude cabaret show in Amsterdam’s Red Light District—was not only optional but part of Lizzo’s “artistic approach” to building team chemistry.

“There’s no disagreement that Lizzo held these outings as a necessary part of her creative process,” lead attorney Marty Singer explained. “Early social gatherings during international tours (like the Bananenbar) are critical to team-building and fostering cohesion.”

Lizzo, who has consistently denied all allegations, called the claims “false” and “sensationalized.” She added, “I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not.”

If Lizzo’s appeal is successful, the case will be dismissed. If not, the lawsuit is set to proceed to a jury trial.