LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Crystal Williams, a talented dancer from Texas, has recently made headlines after filing a lawsuit against Lizzo, accusing the singer of sexual harassment and body shaming. Williams had previously appeared on Lizzo's reality series 'Watch Out For The Big Grrrls', a move that earned her an Emmy award in 2022.
However, the lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of Williams' time with Lizzo. According to the legal complaint, Williams was fired on April 26, 2023, shortly after questioning Lizzo's claim that the dancers were drinking before concerts. The singer's alleged response was dismissive, stating, "Well, if you're not, then good for y'all." Williams' termination took place in a hotel lobby, with management citing "budget cuts," despite no other employees being laid off.
Who is Crystal Williams?
After completing her studies in Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University in 2020, Williams noticed a casting call shared by Lizzo and decided to seize the opportunity. She promptly submitted an online application, feeling as though it might be a sign. Recounting her experience, Williams explained, "I thought that might be a sign. I finished my video submission and everything, and I put together a little montage video.
Her qualifications and talent stood out, catching Lizzo's attention, leading to her role as a dancer from 2021 until April 26, 2023. She revealed, "It's really fun to travel to different parts of the world because I was only limited to seeing Texas. I'm just happy to experience this because I didn't know that this was a thing for somebody like me, so it's definitely a blessing."
Trio of dancers accuse Lizzo of sexual harassment
In addition to Williams's claims, two other dancers Arianna Davis and Noelle Rodriguez have also filed complaints against Lizzo, accusing her of sexual harassment and creating a "hostile work environment." The trio alleged that the 'Truth Hurts' singer engaged in weight-shaming and allegedly invited "cast members to take turns touching the nude performers," inside a strip club in Amsterdam. The lawsuit further alleged that Lizzo encouraged inappropriate behavior, such as "catching dildos launched from the performers' vagi**s, and eating bananas protruding from the performers' vagi**s."
The lawsuit included allegations that Lizzo also subjected the dancers to a grueling 12-hour tryout after falsely accusing them of drinking on the job. Furthermore, Lizzo's dance captain, Shirlene Quigley is accused of exchanging lewd fantasies, performing oral sex, and publicly discussing one dancer's virginity. The allegations further involve claims of religious and racial harassment, false detention, and interference with future economic prospects.
As a result of the alleged mistreatment, the plaintiffs are seeking general and special damages, as well as punitive damages and attorneys' fees. The lawsuit does not specify a monetary amount. “The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are … absolutely demoralizing,” the plaintiffs’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, said in a statement.
