Lizzo has formally asked for a harassment lawsuit filed by three of her former dancers to be dismissed. The singer filed a response to the suit against her on Wednesday (September 27), where she and her lawyers requested that the lawsuit be dismissed without prejudice — and demanded a jury trial.
The filing has Lizzo's lawyers issue a general denial, as well as a lengthy defence explaining why the suit has no legs to stand on. They also claim that the three ex-dancers accusing her of harassment "ratified, acquiesced, condoned and/or approved of" Lizzo's actions, lumping in those of Big Grrl Big Touring production company and dance team captain Shirlene Quigley as well.
The lawsuit in question was filed last month, and accused Lizzo of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. At the time, the pop star denied the allegations on social media, though more former employees came forward with complaints. Her Big Grrrls dance crew has maintained their support of her.
In a statement to Pitchfork, Neama Rahmani, the plaintiffs' lawyer, said Lizzo's response was filled with "boilerplate objections," but reiterated that her clients want a jury trial as well:
Lizzo's answer merely consists of boilerplate objections that have nothing to do with the case. That said, the key takeaway is that Lizzo is agreeing to our clients' demand for a jury trial. We look forward to presenting our case in court and letting a panel of her peers decide who is telling the truth, Lizzo and her team who continue to shame the victims or the plaintiffs and so many others who have come forward sharing similar stories of abuse and harassment.
Last week, another suit was filed against Lizzo by another former employee, citing hostile working conditions. She has yet to formally respond to these claims.
The filing has Lizzo's lawyers issue a general denial, as well as a lengthy defence explaining why the suit has no legs to stand on. They also claim that the three ex-dancers accusing her of harassment "ratified, acquiesced, condoned and/or approved of" Lizzo's actions, lumping in those of Big Grrl Big Touring production company and dance team captain Shirlene Quigley as well.
The lawsuit in question was filed last month, and accused Lizzo of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. At the time, the pop star denied the allegations on social media, though more former employees came forward with complaints. Her Big Grrrls dance crew has maintained their support of her.
In a statement to Pitchfork, Neama Rahmani, the plaintiffs' lawyer, said Lizzo's response was filled with "boilerplate objections," but reiterated that her clients want a jury trial as well:
Lizzo's answer merely consists of boilerplate objections that have nothing to do with the case. That said, the key takeaway is that Lizzo is agreeing to our clients' demand for a jury trial. We look forward to presenting our case in court and letting a panel of her peers decide who is telling the truth, Lizzo and her team who continue to shame the victims or the plaintiffs and so many others who have come forward sharing similar stories of abuse and harassment.
Last week, another suit was filed against Lizzo by another former employee, citing hostile working conditions. She has yet to formally respond to these claims.