Unmasking Lizzo's Legal Battle: Navigating Allegations, Responses, and Public Perception

“It’s about damn time!” - This time sung by Lizzo’s former dancers rather than Lizzo.

Why’d they sing this, you might ask??

Well, because the three dancers have had enough of Lizzo, allegedly, as they file a new lawsuit against the pop star Lizzo, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., and dance director Shirlene Quigley.?

The lawsuit involves allegations made by the dancers—Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis, and Noelle Rodriguez—who have brought a total of nine charges against Lizzo and her team. They allege that Lizzo and Quigley sexually harassed them and created a hostile work environment. They also accuse Quigley of religious harassment and Lizzo of disability discrimination and assault.?

The allegations of body shaming came as a big surprise as Lizzo has often been praised for promoting body positivity. She has frequently spoken out about being the target of online body-shaming and harassment and the toll that took on her mental and emotional health.

This lawsuit made it tricky for Lizzo to officially respond because anything she says can be used against her in court - legal and public opinion. It also raises questions about the difference between the image projected by celebrities and the reality behind the scenes.

Lizzo’s official response

Lizzo then posted a statement on Instagram, carrousel only, text only - which many people do nowadays. But why Instagram, you might ask?

Because brands and celebrities amidst a crisis don’t want to go on a social media app filled with too much opinion. And that’s why they go for the more photo-centric app.

Molly McPherson, a PR Crisis Management expert, emphasizes three elements for an effective crisis management response: "Own it, explain it, promise it." However, as Molly explains, Lizzo's case, involving a lawsuit, adds complexity to this process.

Lizzo did not outright admit to the accusations, opting instead for a stance of denial and shifting blame. Her choice of words, referring to these stories as "sensationalized," reflects this approach.

In the statement, Lizzo highlighted her values and claimed that she was open with her sexuality and expressing herself, which helped frame her in the right light and diminish some of the allegations. She also rejected ever body shaming anyone and terminating one’s contract for their weight.

Weighing in on the public opinion

Here’s what people are saying on an app that’s more known for opinion sharing, X (or ex-Twitter).

Most conversations around the topic include the following phrases:

Now what?

The story continues to unfold as the spotlight remains fixed on the ongoing legal proceedings involving Lizzo, her former dancers, and the allegations brought to the forefront.?

The intricacies of this case not only raise questions about the dynamics within the entertainment industry but also prompt us to ponder the gap between public personas and behind-the-scenes realities. The attention-grabbing headlines may focus on certain aspects, but beneath the surface lie more complex layers awaiting examination. What we do know is that the first Lizzo concert was canceled since the lawsuit was filed.

As we wait to see how this legal saga evolves, it's a reminder that narratives are multifaceted, and conclusions are seldom as simple as they seem.

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*All metric screenshots are taken directly from Determ, a media monitoring tool.