Lizzo's Legal Team Files for Dismissal of Sexual Harassment Lawsuit, 18 Tour Members Dispute Accusations

Lizzo's attorneys argue for dismissal under California's anti-SLAPP statute, asserting the sexual harassment allegations are a meritless attempt to smother free speech; 18 current tour members provide sworn statements disputing the accusations, including weight-shaming and inappropriate nightclub behavior.

Lizzo's legal team has filed for dismissal of the sexual harassment lawsuit brought against her, citing California's anti-SLAPP statute. They debated that the lawsuit is a meritless attempt to suppress free speech, arguing that the accusations were invented by former dancers seeking financial gain and media attention.
Supporting Lizzo's motion to dismiss are sworn statements from 18 members of her tour who dispute many of the lawsuit’s specific accusations. These statements contest particularly notable claims such as weight-shaming and inappropriate nightclub behavior, which contradict Lizzo's public image as a body positivity advocate.
Within the lawsuit are multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior, including weight-shaming, religious and racial discrimination, and enforced participation in explicit nightclub activities. However, many of these accusations are heavily disputed by current members of Lizzo's tour team, suggesting the accounts provided by the plaintiffs were not accurate.
Cases including the anti-SLAPP statute, usually applied in defamation cases, are rare in a context concerning sexual harassment allegations against an employer. Lizzo's legal team argues that the anti-SLAPP law could apply due to the creative nature of the work in question.
The plaintiffs' lawyer, Neama Rahmani, disputes the defense's declaration, asserting that free speech does not shield from alleged illegal actions such as sexual harassment, racial, religious, or disability discrimination, and that the defense's statements consist of individuals on Lizzo's payroll. Rahmani remains committed to proceeding with legal action and supports a jury trial.