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What's Going On With Lizzo And Why Are People Mocking Her In Memes? The Harassment And Fat-Shaming Controversy Explained
Pop artist Lizzo is now being sued by three of her former dancers, who are accusing the pop artist of sexual harassment, fat-shaming and creating a hostile work environment. Learn where the memes about the lawsuit are coming from and what they mean in our brief explainer.
Why Is Lizzo Getting Sued?
On August 1st, media reported that Lizzo's three former dancers Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis and Noelle Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against the singer, as well as her dance captain Shirlene Quigley and Lizzo's production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. The lawsuit details a history of misconduct by Lizzo, including:
- Overworking dancers and making them re-audition in a 12-hour rehearsal, and firing people on the spot;
- Making comments about a dancer's weight gain and later firing her for being in a meeting while having an eye condition;
- Coercing a dancer into inappropriately touching a performer at an exotic dance club in Amsterdam;
- Inviting dancers to a cabaret bar where performers dance naked without specifying the nature of the venue.
More claims of misconduct were directed at Shirlene Quigley, who was accused of scolding the dancers for having pre-marital intimacy and attempting to convert them to her religion.
Lizzo's former creative director Courtney Hollinquest and dancer Quinn Whitney Wilson both posted Instagram stories in which they related to experiences detailed in the lawsuit.
What Are Social Media Reactions to the Lawsuit Against Lizzo?
On social media, users were quick to express their disappointment with the singer's alleged misconduct, especially considering the positive and empowering image Lizzo attempted to cultivate. The fact that many of Lizzo's fans felt represented by her just added more salt to the wound.
The details of the lawsuit, particularly the story of Lizzo allegedly having her dancers eat bananas protruding from performers' private parts at the Amsterdam club, shocked many on Twitter.
Other users were baffled by the lawsuit detailing the story of Lizzo allegedly shaming one of her singers over her weight gain, considering that Lizzo herself has repeatedly experienced fat-shaming on social media during her career, at one time even taking a break from Twitter over trolling.
Lizzo Lawsuit in Memes
Those who have long prayed for Lizzo's downfall were the first to post memes about the lawsuit, celebrating Lizzo's potential fall from grace.
The fat-shaming part of the lawsuit has been the most prominent topic of memes related to it, with some jokes bordering on fat-shaming Lizzo herself.
For the full history of Lizzo's sexual harassment and fat-shaming lawsuit, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.