Lizzo Hails Court Victory as Fat-Shaming Claims Dismissed in Ongoing Lawsuit by Former Dancers

In a significant development in a high-profile legal battle, a Los Angeles judge ruled to dismiss fat-shaming claims brought by three former backup dancers against singer Lizzo. The plaintiffs—Arianna Davis, Noelle Rodriguez, and Crystal Williams—alleged in their 2023 lawsuit that Lizzo criticized Davis for weight gain and terminated her employment as a result. Judge Mark H. Epstein determined there was insufficient evidence to support these assertions under California law, leading the dancers to drop their appeal.

Lizzo, born in Houston and known for her advocacy in body positivity, addressed the ruling directly in a social media video posted this week. "The fat-shaming claims against me have been officially dropped by my accusers. They conceded it had no merit in court. There was no evidence that I fired them because they gained weight. Because it never happened," she stated in the caption. She emphasized that the dancers were dismissed for recording her without consent and sharing the footage with former employees, not for their physical appearances.

Plaintiffs' attorney Ron Zambrano confirmed his clients' decision not to appeal the dismissal, noting it allows focus on stronger elements of the case. "We are maintaining that Judge Epstein was correct in his ruling denying Lizzo’s special motion to strike the vast majority of claims they attacked," Zambrano said, referring to surviving allegations like false imprisonment and harassment.

Lizzo described the fat-shaming accusation as one that "haunted" her since it surfaced, calling it "devastating" to endure in silence. She has long positioned herself as a supporter of individuals with diverse body types, stating she has "only encouraged and supported people with bigger bodies" in her career. This ruling aligns with her consistent denials of all claims in the lawsuit.

In a subsequent Substack essay titled “Who’s Gonna Write the op-ed on False Accusers?”, Lizzo expanded on the emotional toll, criticizing the normalization of false allegations. She argued that such claims harm genuine victims of sexual assault, rape, and harassment by eroding trust in real accounts. "The falsely accused face great consequences, sometimes more consequences than false accusers face. But no one suffers more from the normalization of false allegations than real victims," she wrote. Lizzo vowed not to settle, declaring, "I will be fighting every single claim until the truth comes out."

Her legal team, represented by attorney Marty Singer, reported the dismissal as a key update in the two-year dispute. Lizzo reiterated her commitment to accountability in a Reel on Instagram , framing the decision as vindication amid public scrutiny.

The lawsuit, filed in August 2023, originally accused Lizzo and her production company of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, and retaliatory termination. Incidents reportedly occurred during tour-related events and rehearsals, including a Las Vegas strip club visit where dancers alleged pressure to touch performers. While fat-shaming claims were severed, the bulk of the suit persists, with a prior ruling denying Lizzo's motion to dismiss the broader case.

Zambrano emphasized that the remaining claims address serious workplace conduct issues, and his clients intend to pursue them vigorously. Lizzo's team has declined further comment on the ongoing proceedings. The case highlights tensions between celebrity accountability and legal evidentiary standards.

Lizzo's public persona as a body positivity icon resonates within LGBTQ+ communities, where discussions of body image, harassment, and inclusive workplaces are prominent. Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign advocate for safe environments free from discrimination based on body size or gender expression, noting that harassment claims in entertainment often intersect with broader inclusivity efforts for transgender people, nonbinary individuals, and others.

The partial dismissal underscores challenges in substantiating specific discrimination claims amid complex employment disputes. For LGBTQ+ performers, who frequently face heightened scrutiny in the industry, this case prompts reflection on balancing advocacy with legal realities. Lizzo's emphasis on truth in allegations echoes calls from queer activists for nuanced approaches to "believe survivors" narratives, ensuring they do not inadvertently undermine verified cases. No LGBTQ+-specific angles were directly cited in court filings, but the suit's themes of body autonomy and consent align with community priorities.

As proceedings continue, all parties anticipate further rulings, with potential trials on the horizon. This development offers Lizzo a measure of relief while the full truth of the remaining allegations awaits judicial determination.