Lizzo Demands Court to Dismiss Harassment Lawsuits, Asks for Jury Trial
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Lizzo has submitted her first legal response to the harassment lawsuit given rise by her former tour dancers. With more than 30 points of defense, the pop star is asking the judge to dismiss the case, citing good faith to justify her alleged conduct.
Lizzo Asks Court to Dismiss Ridiculous Harassment Cases
As per documents obtained by PageSix, Lizzo listed at least 31 lines of defense discussing why the court should decline the case. The “About Damn Time” singer filed her response at the Los Angeles Superior Court, calling the harassment lawsuits “ridiculous.”
However, while Lizzo asserts that her case should be tossed out, she also requests a trial by jury if the judge decided to push through.
In her response, she claimed that all the plaintiffs “ratified, acquiesced, condoned and/or approved of the acts” mentioned in the suit. Furthermore, she reasoned that that their alleged conduct “was undertaken in good faith and with good cause.” Rather, they stated that it was “undertaken for legitimate reasons reasonably related to one or more lawful business purposes.”
Moreover, the singer argued that the plaintiffs are “guilty of clean hands.” In simpler terms, Lizzo assumes that her former tour dancers have done something unethical and thus, must be denied relief.
In another argument, the singer claimed that the plaintiffs have acted unfairly or made false representations in bringing the lawsuit. Lizzo also stated that the dancers failed to “mediate in good faith” in accordance with the terms of their contract. The plaintiffs are subject to arbitration under such terms.
In essence, court papers reveal that Lizzo asserted that the “defendants conduct was justified.” Deeming the former tour dancers’ complaints as “ridiculous,” Lizzo’s legal team looks forward to proving their stand in a court of law.
Plaintiffs Say Her Defense Are Boilerplate Objections
Amid the heated lawsuit, it’s absolutely clear that the plaintiffs are not planning to back down. Soon after the legal response, plaintiffs’ attorney Neama Rahmani told PageSix their reaction.
“Lizzo’s answer consists of boilerplate objections that have nothing to do with the case. The only takeaway is that Lizzo agrees to our clients’ demand for a jury trial.”
“We look forward to presenting our case to twelve men and women in the community who will decide who is telling the truth: Lizzo and her spokespeople or the multiple victims who have and continue to come forward sharing very similar stories of abuse and harassment,” she added.
In early August, dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez sued the “Truth Hurts” singer, Big Grrrl Touring, Inc. and dance captain Shirlene Quigley for sexual and religious harassment, a hostile work environment, disability discrimination and other claims.
Lizzo is facing another lawsuit filed earlier this month by clothing designer Asha Daniels. Allegedly, Lizzo committed sexual and racial harassment and more while working on Lizzo’s Special tour. She shares these accusations alongside her wardrobe manager Amanda Nomura and tour manager Carlina Gugliotta.
