Lizzo Appeals Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Citing First Amendment Defense

Lizzo is appealing a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by her former backup dancers, arguing that the allegations are an attack on her First Amendment rights and protected as part of her artistic expression. The lawsuit, which includes claims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and creating a hostile work environment, alleges incidents such as Lizzo pressuring dancers to attend and engage with nude performers at a sex show in Amsterdam. Lizzo’s legal team contends that the Amsterdam outing was optional and integral to her creative process and team-building during tours, thus shielded by free speech protections under California’s anti-SLAPP law. While some claims, including fat-shaming allegations, were dismissed by a judge, the case is moving forward toward a jury trial, prompting Lizzo's attorneys to seek dismissal through appeal. The defense warns that allowing the case to proceed risks judicial overreach into artistic processes and could set a precedent for limiting creative freedom in court. Plaintiffs have not publicly responded to the appeal, and the case continues to unfold in both federal and state courts.