Judge Dismisses Fat-Shaming Claims Against Lizzo, Singer Still Faces Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment Claims

The flute crooner has been dealing with an ongoing legal battle since 2023 as ex-employees sued her for misconduct.

Lizzo continues to face a legal battle as she faces both sexual harassment and hostile work environment claims. (Photo Courtesy: Lizzo @lizzobeeating on Instagram)

Former backup dancers of the “Truth Hurts” singer agreed to drop some of their claims in their lawsuit against their former employer.

Arianna Davis, Noelle Rodriguez, and Crystal Williams all sued the popstar in 2023 for sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Lizzo has since denied all of the allegations made in the suit, and previously asked the court to dismiss the suit. The judge has agreed to dismiss some of the claims, including Davis’ allegations that Lizzo fat-shamed her and fired her for gaining weight.

Ron Zambrano, a lawyer representing the former dancers, said in a statement that his clients do not plan to appeal the ruling. Zambrano notes that this is due to much of the lawsuit remaining intact, according to Rolling Stone.

“We are maintaining that Judge Epstein was correct in his ruling denying Lizzo’s special motion to strike the vast majority of claims they attacked, including false imprisonment and harassment,” Zambano said. “OF the couple of claims Judge Epstein did dismiss, the plaintiffs have taken a considered approach to leave that be. One would hope to see the same level of intellectual honesty and neutral assessment from the defendants, but that hasn’t been the case thus far and it’s disappointing.”

Lawyers for Lizzo, nor the pop star herself, have spoken to the press directly. Though, Lizzo posted a video to social media in celebration of the news.

“There was no evidence that I fired them because they gained weight. Because it never happened,” Lizzo wrote in the video. “Now, the truth is finally out.”

She explained in the video that the dancers were fired for secretly recording without her knowledge or consent, and sent said recordings to another former employee. She noted how she encouraged and supported those with bigger bodies and shared her platform with them. The Detroit-born singer admits the allegations have haunted ever since they were made public.

She ultimately thanks her legal team, vowing to fight every allegation until the truth is and that she won’t settle out of court. 

As the fat-shaming claims have been dropped, the case will carry on against Lizzo and her touring company, Big Grrrl Big Touring. The three dancers accused the singer of subjecting them to a hostile work environment and sexual harassment.

Lizzo’s legal team called the lawsuit a “fabricated sob story,” but a Los Angeles judge ruled the case can move forward at the beginning of last year. Earlier this month, the former backup dancers called for the courts to allow the sexual harassment lawsuit to proceed to trial and reject Lizzo’s free speech claims. 

Melissa Glass, Lizzo’s lawyer, notes that the dancers cannot find anyone to corroborate the allegations in their lawsuit. Though, there have been people coming out in support of Lizzo’s side of the suit.

“In contrast, 18 witnesses who worked with Lizzo on the Special tour submitted sworn statements refuting the claims made by Davis, Williams, and Rodriguez,” Glass said in a statement to Billboard. “We look forward to the Court of Appeals ruling on this matter.”