Judge Denies Lizzo’s Bid To Have Sexual Assualt Case Thrown Out
The sexual assault suit filed against Lizzo will see its day in court.
After an attempt to have the case dismissed, a judge decided contrary to the "Truth Hurts" wishes. According to Billboard, the suit will continue to stand trial.
In August 2023, three of Lizzo's former backup dancers –Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez– filed a suit against the Grammy winner for allegedly exposing them to a “sexually charged and uncomfortable" work environment. The plaintiffs also claim the harassment was “so severe or pervasive” that it made their employment conditions “intolerable.”
The "Juice" hitmaker denied those allegations, contending California’s anti-SLAPP statute that protects the First Amendment by providing a special law that makes it easier to quickly end meritless lawsuits that threaten free speech, as cited by the California Anti-Slapp Project.
After considering the statute, Judge Mark H. Epstein concluded all of the allegations in the suit do not qualify under the statute. Thereby, he decided that the case will move forward in court.
“It is dangerous for the court to weigh in, ham-fisted, into constitutionally protected activity,” Judge Epstein wrote in his 34-page decision. “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.”
He also stated that this was "no easy task,” and that he “tried to thread this needle," in his determination.
In August, Lizzo addressed the allegations brought against her in a post on Instagram.
“I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days. I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not," she said in part.
"There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight."
