Lizzo

Three former dancers sue Lizzo, her company Big Grrrl Big Touring and dance captain Shirlene Quigley, alleging, among other things, sexual, racial and religious harassment, a hostile environment, discrimination and certain coercive incidents. Lizzo denies the allegations, calling them false and outrageous.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Asha Daniels, a former tour stylist, sues Lizzo, her company and team members for sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination and other employment grievances. Lizzo is dismissed as an individual defendant nearly two years before a federal judge dismisses the remaining claims against Big Grrrl Big Touring on 1 September 2026.

Legal status — source text

Case dismissed / dropped

Attribution

Directly implicated

The 2023 complaints trigger a separate controversy about the alleged gap between Lizzo's public image — centred on self-acceptance and body positivity — and the accounts of certain former collaborators. This reputational dimension accompanies the proceedings without in itself constituting proof of the alleged acts.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Fourteen dancers say they discovered that footage of rehearsals and sensitive conversations would be used in the documentary 'Love, Lizzo' without specific contractual authorisation or appropriate compensation. An entity associated with Lizzo and other producers reach agreements totalling approximately 109 551 dollars in February 2023 for use of the footage.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Legal status — source text

Settlement

Attribution

Directly implicated

After Justin and Jeremiah Raisen and Yves Rothman seek a share of the credits for 'Truth Hurts', citing an earlier session around the song 'Healthy', Lizzo goes to court seeking a declaration that they have no rights to her hit. Counterclaims follow; some are dismissed in 2020, and the parties then reach an agreement in 2022 and request that the case be closed.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The song 'Grrrls' contains a term regarded as an ableist slur. Following criticism from disabled people and organisations, Lizzo apologises and quickly releases a new version of the track with the word replaced.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

At the invitation of the Library of Congress, Lizzo briefly plays a crystal flute that belonged to President James Madison. The event triggers an intense online cultural and political controversy, with some commentators seeing it as disrespectful while the institution presents it as showcasing its collection.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Lizzo publishes a Postmates delivery driver's first name and photograph, along with an accusation that she stole her order. Following a strong reaction, she deletes the post and apologises, acknowledging the danger posed by the size of her audience. The delivery driver, Tiffany Wells, subsequently sues Lizzo for defamation, invasion of privacy and emotional distress. In 2021, the parties stipulate to a voluntary dismissal with prejudice, with each bearing their own costs.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Mina Lioness claims to have originated the viral tweet that inspired the opening phrase of 'Truth Hurts'. Lizzo acknowledges having seen the phrase as a meme and ultimately adds Lioness as a co-writer of the song.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated