A judge has denied Lizzo’s motion to throw out the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by three of her former backup dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, according to Billboard. Although certain accusations, such as fat-shaming claims, have been dismissed, the judge has determined that the case will proceed to trial.
Last year, Lizzo faced allegations of harassment and discrimination and sought dismissal of the case under the California anti-SLAPP statute, a law designed to resolve meritless lawsuits that threaten free speech. The singer felt that she was being “silenced.”
Judge Mark H. Epstein found that the anti-SLAPP statute didn’t apply to the circumstances.
“It is dangerous for the court to weigh in, ham-fisted, into constitutionally protected activity,” he stated. “But it is equally dangerous to turn a blind eye to allegations of discrimination or other forms of misconduct merely because they take place in a speech-related environment.”
Lizzo’s legal team questioned whether a global celebrity could be forever insulated from civil liability under the anti-SLAPP statute.
“Defendant Lizzo asks this Court to rule in exactly that fashion. Fortunately for all victims of celebrity malfeasance, the law says otherwise,” the tea argued.
Despite the dismissal attempt, the judge has decided to proceed with the trial.
In August, the Special singer faced allegations that she discriminated against one of her dancers for gaining weight, ultimately firing them after recording a meeting “because of a health condition.” The lawsuit also claimed that Lizzo pressured the dancers into touching a naked dancer in an Amsterdam nightclub, with some participants reportedly reluctant but fearful of losing their jobs.
In August, Lizzo addressed the allegations on Instagram, expressing her openness about sexuality but rejecting portrayals of her as a villain. She emphasized her commitment to respecting women and refuted accusations of body shaming or terminating employees based on weight.