Lizzo Declines Settlement, Vows to Contest Backup Dancers' Lawsuit

Grammy-winning singer Lizzo told CBS Mornings on May 4 that she will not settle the lawsuit filed by three former backup dancers, choosing instead to pursue a court verdict she says will prove the allegations false.

Rolling Stone

The dancers—Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis and Noelle Rodriguez—sued Lizzo in August 2023, accusing her of sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, racial and religious discrimination, and fat-shaming after an alleged incident in Amsterdam’s Red Light District in February 2023.

Rolling Stone

Primary parties include Lizzo, her legal team, the three dancers, and the judge who dismissed several claims in December 2023.

Rolling Stone

• February 2023 – Alleged incident in Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

Rolling Stone

• August 2023 – Dancers file lawsuit.

Billboard

• December 2023 – Judge dismisses fat-shaming claim and other central allegations.

Rolling Stone

• May 4 2024 – Lizzo publicly declines settlement in CBS Mornings interview.

Billboard

• June 5 2024 – Release of Lizzo’s album *Bitch*.

Rolling Stone

The case involves three plaintiffs and at least five distinct allegations: sexual harassment, hostile work environment, racial discrimination, religious discrimination, and fat-shaming. A judge dismissed the fat-shaming claim, leaving the remaining allegations pending.

Rolling Stone

Lizzo told the interviewer that she could settle but chooses not to because she believes the accusations are false. Her attorneys described the suit as a “fabricated sob story” and maintain her innocence. The court’s December ruling dismissed the fat-shaming claim while allowing other counts to proceed.

Billboard

The dancers allege that Lizzo pressured a performer to touch a nude woman’s breast during a February 2023 night out, that she fostered a hostile environment, and that she discriminated on racial and religious grounds. They also claim she terminated Arianna Davis for weight gain, a charge the artist denies.

Rolling Stone

While the court has ruled the fat-shaming allegation unfounded, it has not addressed the sexual-harassment, discrimination and alleged pressure claims, leaving their factual status unresolved. The sources provide no public statements from the dancers or details of evidence, creating a gap in the public record.

Billboard

• “I think it is an easy out, but I’m fighting the case because I know that it’s not true.” — Lizzo, Singer

Billboard

• “The truth will come out,” — Lizzo, Singer

Billboard

• “And that’s why I’m not afraid of it. The truth is less salacious than the headlines.” — Lizzo, Singer

Billboard

• “If I know that, I have nothing to worry about.” — Lizzo, Singer

Billboard

• “I would look fabulous while doing it.” — Lizzo, Singer

Rolling Stone

The dispute tests the credibility of a high-profile advocate of body positivity and illustrates the legal complexities of workplace harassment claims involving a celebrity artist.

Billboard

Lizzo has said she will testify if the case goes to trial, and the pending claims will be adjudicated. Her album *Bitch* releases on June 5 2024.

Rolling Stone