LOS ANGELES — Three former dancers who’ve accused Lizzo of sexual harassment, weight shaming and different allegations rejected the singer’s authorized argument that their lawsuit goals to suppress free speech, in response to court docket paperwork filed Friday.
In a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court docket, attorneys for Ariana Davis, Crystal Williams and Noel Rodriguez wrote that Lizzo’s declare seeks to insulate the movie star “perpetually” from civil legal responsibility via a state legislation designed to guard individuals from so-called “civil legal responsibility.” “SLAPP” suits.or lawsuits aimed toward quieting speech.
“Defendant Lizzo asks this court docket to rule in precisely this way,” the submitting says. “Fortuitously for all victims of celebrity-related wrongdoing, the legislation says in any other case.”
In an electronic mail on Friday, a Lizzo spokesperson pointed to 18 members of the singer’s touring firm who filed affidavits in court docket final month in assist of the pop star and opposing the dancers’ lawsuit.
Spokesman Stefan Friedman mentioned the group “dedicated to Lizzo’s invaluable ethics and character. It’s clear that since then the plaintiffs’ attorneys have give you precisely zero efforts to refute these info.”
In a submitting final month, Lizzo’s attorneys cited the SLAPP statute Legislation in a movement requested the court docket to dismiss a number of of the dancers’ claims, together with allegations that Lizzo pressured Davis to the touch a unadorned male mannequin at an Amsterdam strip membership.
Along with the 18 statements, Lizzo — whose actual title is Melissa Jefferson — entered her personal affidavit and mentioned she by no means pressured Davis to work together with anybody towards her will.
“Bannanbar dancers additionally requested for every visitor’s consent earlier than touching or interacting with them additional,” the announcement learn. “I bear in mind individuals mentioned no and the dancers moved on to another person.”
Within the advert, Lizzo described herself as a “sturdy boss” however mentioned she has by no means been shamed, harassed or discriminated towards her staff.
“This goes towards all the things I stand for, and I might by no means put anybody else via the sort of abusive and hurtful conduct I needed to endure,” she mentioned.
The dancers repeated allegations made within the lawsuit they filed in August in statements filed Friday. The matter will likely be heard in Los Angeles County Superior Court docket in Santa Monica on November 22.
