Share this @internewscast.com

Lizzo’s request to throw out a lawsuit filed by three of her former dancers was denied by a judge on Friday, indicating the suit will proceed.

Judge Mark H. Epstein ruled in a 34-page decision in Los Angeles County Superior Court that Lizzo’s argument that the case be dismissed under the anti-SLAPP statute didn’t entirely fit the suit, though parts of it did.

The anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) statute allows defendants to quickly dismiss meritless suits that threaten their right to free speech under the First Amendment.

Epstein did elect to toss out some of the plaintiffs’ accusations against Lizzo and her team, including that Lizzo fat-shamed one of her dancers.

The judge also said the fact that Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, required dancers to pose for a nude photoshoot for her show “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” was protected under anti-SLAPP law as a part of the “creative process,” which falls under protected free speech.

“This case presents a number of difficult issues,” Epstein conceded in his opinion. “And the courts are rightfully wary of injecting themselves into the creative process.”

“Finding the right balance is often no easy task, and this case is a perfect example,” Epstein said.

He acknowledged his court attempted to “thread the needle” of adhering to free speech laws while also considering allegations of misconduct and discrimination.

“It is dangerous for the court to weigh in, ham-fisted, into constitutionally protected activity, but it is equally dangerous to turn a blind eye to allegations of discrimination or other forms of misconduct merely because they take place in a speech-related environment,” Epstein wrote.

Stefan Friedman, a spokesperson for Lizzo, said in a statement that the team is “pleased” that Epstein chose to throw out “all or part of four of the plaintiffs’ causes of action.”

“Lizzo is grateful to the judge for seeing through much of the noise and recognizing who she is — a strong woman who exists to lift others up and spread positivity,” Friedman said. “We plan to appeal all elements that the judge chose to keep in the lawsuit and are confident we will prevail.”

The original lawsuit, filed by Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez in August, alleged Lizzo created a hostile work environment and sexually harassed her employees.

It also named dance captain Shirlene Quigley and Lizzo’s production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., as defendants, and alleged Quigley proselytized to the dancers, even shaming those who had engaged in premarital sex.

Lizzo has denied all allegations against her in the suit, calling them “false,” “unbelievable” and “outrageous.”

Ron Zambrano, attorney for the three plaintiffs, said in a statement that they were “pleased” with the judge’s ruling and “consider it a victory on balance.”

He added that Epstein’s ruling to continue the case “signals that Lizzo — or any celebrity — is not insulated from this sort of reprehensible conduct merely because she is famous.”

Lizzo is facing a second lawsuit against her, also filed by a former employee — a fashion designer — who alleged her boss, Lizzo’s wardrobe manager, mocked and bullied other employees, including the dancers.

Lizzo tried to have that suit thrown out as well at the end of last year.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Betty Reid Soskin, the nation's oldest park ranger, dies at 104

Betty Reid Soskin, America’s Oldest Park Ranger, Passes Away at 104

Betty Reid Soskin, a trailblazer and a remarkable woman who became the…
RICHARD JOHNSON: Meghan Markle afraid to visit ailing father due to paparazzi

Meghan Markle Reluctant to Visit Ill Father Amidst Paparazzi Concerns, Reports Suggest

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, wishes to see her father, who…
Powerball drawing: Can I buy tickets online?

Powerball Jackpot Soars to Record-Breaking $1.6 Billion: Discover Its Place in Lottery History

In a thrilling turn of events, the Powerball jackpot is soaring to…
Manhunt underway in South Africa after gunmen open fire at tavern, killing 9 and wounding 10

Massive Search Launched in South Africa Following Deadly Tavern Shooting with 9 Dead, 10 Injured

In a tragic incident early Sunday, nine individuals lost their lives and…
Man rushed to hospital in apparent self-inflicted shooting at Atlanta airport

Atlanta Airport Incident: Man Hospitalized After Alleged Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

On Sunday afternoon, police in Atlanta swiftly responded to a shooting incident…
FTA calls for more aggressive CTA safety plan or risk losing funding as Chicago police begin added patrols

Breaking: Jesus Martinez Arrested for Allegedly Sparking CTA Blue Line Blaze at Wicker Park Station

A man is facing charges after allegedly starting a fire on a…
Mock funeral held for the penny at Lincoln Memorial as 230-year coin production ends

Farewell to the Penny: Historic Mock Funeral at Lincoln Memorial Marks End of 230-Year Coin Legacy

A crowd gathered in Washington, D.C., on Saturday to bid a symbolic…
NYPD cop loses month pay for kneeling on back of Manhattan suspect who yelled ‘I can’t breathe’

NYPD Officer Penalized for Excessive Force: Loses Month’s Pay After ‘I Can’t Breathe’ Incident in Manhattan

An NYPD officer has been docked 30 days’ pay after being found…
Colin Jost Gets Punked by Michael Che’s Brutal Christmas Joke Swap on ‘SNL’ 2025

Michael Che’s Hilarious Christmas Prank on Colin Jost: A Must-See SNL Moment!

For many seasons, Saturday Night Live co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che…
San Francisco power outage puts 130,000 in the dark, as self-driving car service stops vehicles in the street

Massive San Francisco Power Outage Leaves 130,000 Residents in Darkness, Halts Self-Driving Car Services

A significant power outage swept across vast areas of San Francisco on…
Australian PM Albanese gets booed during Bondi Beach vigil honoring Hanukkah attack victims

Australian PM Albanese Faces Backlash at Bondi Beach Vigil for Hanukkah Attack Victims

During a solemn vigil at Bondi Beach on Sunday, Australian Prime Minister…
Zohran Mamdani Criticized for ‘Staged’ Hanukkah Clip with Actor Mandy Patinkin

Zohran Mamdani Faces Backlash Over Allegedly ‘Staged’ Hanukkah Video Featuring Actor Mandy Patinkin

The recent Hanukkah video featuring Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani alongside actor Mandy Patinkin…