Los Angeles, CA – In a turn of events preceding the recent sexual harassment lawsuit filed against musician Lizzo, 14 dancers who had collaborated with the artist obtained a separate settlement involving footage used in the 2022 documentary “Love, Lizzo,” as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The disagreement stemmed from the unauthorized utilization of intimate conversations among the dancers in the documentary, shedding light on their experiences with misogyny, weight-shaming, and racism. The matter was brought to attention by the dancers’ manager, Slay Smiles, in January. He contended that the documentary’s release infringed upon the emotional sanctity of those moments. The involved parties, which included co-production entity Boardwalk Pictures, and an affiliated “Lizzo entity,” reached a resolution in February, following the intervention of an attorney hired by one of the dancers.
The documentary footage, filmed during preparations for the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, had reportedly been captured without formal contracts. While Smiles asserted that the dancers were never offered contracts pertaining to behind-the-scenes content, Alan Brunswick, an attorney representing co-producer Boardwalk Pictures, asserted that the footage was gathered with consent. Brunswick emphasized that the documentary’s production was not contemplated during the recording period.
The dancers, taken by surprise when approached by a clearance producer to feature the footage, were each offered compensation of $350 plus a 10 percent agency fee for their appearances, sources close to the matter disclosed.
Smiles was instrumental in championing the dancers’ cause, leading to a cumulative settlement amount of $109,551, ranging between $7,092 and $7,545 for each dancer. Notably, none of the 14 dancers involved in the settlement are connected to the ongoing harassment lawsuit.
In addition to the Lizzo-associated entity and Boardwalk Pictures, the agreement encompassed Greenway Pictures, Warner Music Group Productions, and Live Nation Productions. The settlement was accompanied by stipulations of non-disparagement and confidentiality, preventing the dancers from discussing the resolution with third parties.
Several months later, Lizzo encountered a legal predicament as three dancers filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and weight-based humiliation. Lizzo vehemently denied the claims, branding them as “false allegations.”
The lawsuit specifically targets Lizzo, her production company “Big Grrl Big Touring,” and dance captain Shirlene Quigley. Allegations encompass instances of racial and disability discrimination. One particular incident allegedly involved pressuring a dancer to engage with a nude performer and partake in explicit actions.
Lizzo maintained her innocence, expressing her commitment to her team’s well-being and refuting her portrayal as a villain. Attorney Martin Singer supported her stance, asserting the claims to be baseless, substantiated by documentary evidence and witness testimony.
Dancer Crystal Williams, one of the plaintiffs, highlighted the normalized nature of such behavior within the entertainment industry. The credibility of the dancers was questioned by Singer, who pointed to an audition tape where another dancer, Arianna Davis, lauded Lizzo. This occurred after the purported harassment and mistreatment, as the dancers signed on for an extended leg of Lizzo’s tour.
A unified statement released by Lizzo’s current dance ensemble, the “Big Grrrls and Big Boiiis,” steered clear of the controversies. The statement celebrated their collective experiences on the tour, projecting resilience and unity.
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