Lizzo. Photo by JC Olivera/Getty
More information has come to light regarding dodgy experiences that former dancers have experienced with Lizzo. The Los Angeles Times reports that six months before the recent harassment, discrimination, and assault lawsuit against the pop star, 14 dancers reached a settlement regarding their appearances in the Love Lizzo documentary released last year. According to an email reviewed by the Times, the dancers complained they did not consent to the filming nor were they compensated for the footage included in the film.
“After seeing all of the videos, I’m sure you realize how sensitive and private the dialogue was for the talent involved,” Slay Smiles, the dancers’ managers, wrote to Boardwalk Pictures’ attorney Alan Brunswick. “This was supposed to be a safe space to express and share with the Principal talent [(Lizzo)], so… sharing this unauthorized footage to the public without their approval/permissions has truly exploited these women and violated the emotional safety they had in those moments.” Brunswick, however, told The Times that the dancers knew they were filmed.
After two months of negotiating, the dancers settled with Boardwalk Pictures, each reportedly receiving anywhere from $7,092 to $7,545 for their appearance — a total payout of $109,551. Martin Singer, Lizzo’s attorney, told The Times that the singer “had nothing to do with it and knew nothing about it.”
The dancers involved in the settlement are reportedly not part of the ongoing lawsuit against Lizzo. The FADER has reached out to a representative of Lizzo for further comment.
