Celebrities accused of sexual misconduct

Lizzo responds to sexual harassment lawsuit calling it "outrageous" and "disappointing"

Stars Insider

04/08/23 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Controversy

The era of #MeToo has brought waves of fresh sexual misconduct allegations against some prominent and powerful figures. It might seem like all of these accusations are new, but the fact is that victims are only just starting to feel more comfortable in sharing their experiences, and these acts of sexual misconduct and abuse have been going on for many, many years. The difference is that, now, people are paying attention.

The public is still learning how to deal with figures accused of sexual crimes and those who protect them, but by putting these stories in the spotlight, a discussion can be had about the power structures that enable these patterns, the faults our society has had in the past in dealing with them, and the steps we can take to do better.

Lizzo has been an icon of positivity, body acceptance, and realness since she rose to fame in 2019 with the hit 'Truth Hurts.' Now, however, she's being sued by three of her former backup dancers for sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The shocking accusations, filed as a legal action on August 1, 2023, claim that Lizzo and two other leaders of the dance troupe harassed the women sexually and discriminated against them on the bases of race, religion, and weight.

The filing states that the dancers were "forced to endure sexually denigrating behavior" and were "pressured into participating in disturbing sex shows" in Amsterdam's Red Light District while on tour between 2021 and 2023. One of the dancers said she was pressured to touch the breasts of a performer despite her protests, for fear of losing her job. At the same time, the dance team's captain Shirley Quigley allegedly forced her Christian beliefs on the team and taunted those who engaged in premarital sex, while also sharing her own detailed sexual fantasies on a regular basis. The three dancers also claim that black performers were treated differently from the others, and were scolded for being "lazy, unprofessional, and having bad attitudes." One of the defendants claimed she was challenged about her weight gain by both Lizzo and choreographer Tanisha Scott. Two of the defendants were fired in 2023, while the third quit due to the allegedly toxic working conditions.

Two days later, on August 3, Lizzo responded to the claims in an Instagram post. "These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized," she began. "Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed. These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional." Lizzo went on to explain that she has never discriminated against an employee or terminated them because of their weight, and that there's nothing she takes more seriously than giving women the respect they deserve. In regards to the allegations of inappropriate behavior, Lizzo said, "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." She finished by thanking those who have reached out to support her during this difficult time. 

Click through this gallery to discover the defamed faces who have been accused of sexual misconduct.

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