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
Lip reader reveals what President Trump said to King Charles III after royals arrived at White House

Unveiled: What President Trump Secretly Told King Charles III at the White House, Decoded by Expert Lip Reader

As King Charles III and Queen Camilla made their grand entrance at…
$500M superyacht owned by Russia's richest man passes through Strait of Hormuz

Russia’s Wealthiest Tycoon Navigates $500M Superyacht Through Strategic Strait of Hormuz

A luxury yacht owned by a prominent ally of Vladimir Putin recently…
Jimmy Kimmel repeats 'hateful' joke about Melania Trump in attempt to defend himself

Jimmy Kimmel Defends Controversial Melania Trump Joke Amid Backlash: A Closer Look at the Comedian’s Remarks

Late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel reignited controversy by repeating a provocative joke…
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has shocking reaction to FBI raids at day care centers — after slamming Trump admin

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s Surprising Response to FBI Daycare Raids: A Political Twist on Trump Criticism

In a dramatic turn of events, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is…
Chicago weather forecast: Potentially severe storms expected Monday, with risk of high winds, hail and tornadoes

Severe Weather Alert: Chicago Faces High Winds, Hail, and Tornado Threat on Monday

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago area is bracing for potentially severe weather…
Cartel boss living secret life in California after $10M bounty

California Man Leads Double Life as Cartel Leader with $10M Bounty

A man alleged to be a major drug kingpin, with a staggering…
Trump claims Iran is in 'state of collapse,' wants Strait of Hormuz re-open

Trump Asserts Iran’s Economic Collapse, Calls for Reopening of Strategic Strait of Hormuz

President Trump announced on Tuesday that Iran has purportedly confessed to being…
FBI extradites Chinese hacker accused of stealing COVID-19 research

FBI Extradites Chinese Hacker Charged with COVID-19 Research Theft in Landmark Cybercrime Case

A Chinese hacker accused of breaching U.S. institutions to steal COVID-19 research…
Final, heartbreaking words of NYC deli worker as he bled to death in his brother's arms

Tragic Final Words of NYC Deli Worker as He Succumbs to Injuries in Brother’s Embrace

A deli worker in New York City, tragically shot outside his family’s…
Unabomber investigator reveals likely breaking point of alleged would-be Trump assassin

Unabomber Investigator Uncovers Potential Trigger in Alleged Plot Against Trump

A veteran FBI criminal profiler, who played a key role in the…
Embattled NJ Rep. Tom Kean finally addresses 'personal medical issue'

NJ Congressman Tom Kean Breaks Silence on Health Challenges Amidst Political Turmoil

WASHINGTON — Representative Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey has finally addressed…
'Jeopardy!' champ Jamie Ding's 31-game winning streak comes to end

Jeopardy! Star Jamie Ding’s Impressive 31-Game Winning Streak Concludes

Jamie Ding’s impressive journey on the iconic quiz show “Jeopardy!” reached its…