Lizzo's crew resolved a payment issue with 14 separate dancers a few months before she was sued for allegedly sexual harassment and fat-shaming. The lawsuit was something she denied later on.
The said 14 dancers claim they were used without permission in Love, Lizzo - a documentary on the American artist that premiered on HBO Max in 2022.
'Love, Lizzo' Behind-The-Scenes
The Love, Lizzo documentary follows a group of dancers as they prepare for Lizzo's performance at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), where they reflect on what it means to be plus-size and Black women in the dance community. In one scene, a dancer whispers to her peers, "You can't let nobody see you sweat," as the others agree and wipe their eyes.
In a report by the Los Angeles Times, the dancers claimed they were videotaped without their permission and were not paid for their participation. Their manager addressed the attorney for documentary co-producer Boardwalk Pictures, Alan Brunswick, on January 17.
"This was supposed to be a safe space to express and share with the Principal talent [Lizzo], so by sharing this unauthorized footage to the public without their approval/permission, has truly exploited these women and violated the emotional safety they had in those moments."
The dancers were covered by a union contract that allowed them to be recorded during the VMAs, but they were not offered a separate contract for the documentary's use of their behind-the-scenes material.
It was captured openly and with authorization, Brunswick assured the Los Angeles Times. "They all knew the cameras were there. I don't think the documentary was even contemplated at that point."
Lizzo's attorney, Martin Singer, has said that his client was completely unaware of the incident.
Boardwalk Pictures, the corporation representing Lizzo and other parties, agreed on confidential contracts with the dancers in February after one of them sought legal aid to continue with their claims.
In all, the dancers received $109,551 in exchange for their release of the tape and appearance fees of between $7,092 and $7,545. In exchange, they were required to sign nondisparagement and secrecy restrictions barring them from discussing the settlement with any third parties, The Guardian reported.
Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
This month, three dancers have come out accusing Lizzo of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment via sexual, racial, and religious discrimination between 2021 and 2023. The dancers also said that Lizzo, who is well-known for promoting body acceptance and self-love, had criticized a performer's recent weight increase before berating and eventually firing the dancer for recording a meeting.
Lizzo refuted the claims, calling them "sensationalised stories."
Singer told the Independent this week that she plans to file a malicious prosecution countersuit when she wins. She said the case is deemed a "sham" due to the frivolous nature of the charges made against her.
