Lizzo Allegedly Stole Original Artistry From Singer Who Auditioned For "Big Grrrls"

Lizzo, popularly celebrated for her strong body positivity messages, is currently embroiled in a lawsuit brought against her by former dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez. They accuse Lizzo and her team, including her dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, of various allegations ranging from religious and racial harassment to weight-shaming and even more grievous claims. Specifically, Lizzo allegedly made derogatory comments about Davis's weight, and an event in Amsterdam saw dancers coerced into explicit acts.

This situation starkly contrasts with Lizzo's public image, where she has championed inclusivity, especially with programs like the "Big Grrrls" dance search. Online reactions emphasize the perceived hypocrisy in Lizzo's body positivity messages versus her alleged treatment of employees. In a related revelation, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison stated she had to abandon her role as the director of a Lizzo documentary owing to the singer's "abuse of power" and disrespect. This sentiment echoes the lawsuit's allegations, suggesting a disparity between Lizzo's public persona and her backstage behavior.

The dancers' lawsuit details uncomfortable situations where they felt pressured into engaging with nude performers inappropriately. The irony is glaring: Lizzo, who promotes body positivity and empowerment, is accused of shaming her dancers about their appearance and coercing them into situations that compromise their dignity.

Hollywood is no stranger to power dynamics, but the current allegations against Lizzo reiterate that it isn't just men who misuse power. Lizzo's quick rise to fame, resulting in her current estimated net worth of $40 million and numerous accolades, suggests she might have been overwhelmed by her sudden authority.

Lizzo Allegedly Stole Original Artistry for Music Videos from Singer Who Auditioned for "Big Grrrls"

Dancer and independent artist Elle Baez decided to come forward on TikTok and tell her story. She said she never planned on revealing this to anyone because she has always been "the biggest Lizzo fan." Baez was a finalist in the "Big Grrrls" dance search, and they presented her with the contract to sign before she flew out for the big finale. Baez gave the contract to a couple of lawyers in her family so they could review it, and they advised her not to sign it because it essentially signed over all the rights to all of her content. Because she's an artist who wants to continue making original music, she couldn't bring herself to sign it, so she sent the contract back with some "red lines." They responded and said they couldn't give her "special treatment," adding that they wouldn't be able to move forward with her. "I thought that was my big break and I ruined it," Baez said. She cried and was so upset about the loss.

During the whole process, she sent over two of her original music videos as a way to show her artistry. The songs were "Better With You" and "Paint Me." In the former, which was released in 2021, she was sitting in a classroom with a chalkboard that she turned into a disco, complete with a disco ball and a whole team of glamorous dancers behind her. In 2022, Lizzo releases "About Damn Time," and in the music video, she is sitting in a classroom with a chalkboard, and she turns the whole thing into a disco—just like in Baez's music video. It had the same exact vibe with the disco ball, similar outfits, etc. "I thought maybe it's just a coincidence," Baez said. "But then something else happened."

In the other music video for "Paint Me," Baez was wearing a nude bodysuit, and there were pieces of art that were projected onto her body. In 2022, Lizzo was on tour for her new album, and she performed a song called "Naked." She also wore a nude bodysuit on stage, and there were pieces of art that were projected onto her body. She found out this was happening on tour because a friend of hers sent it to her. "So a lot of weird coincidences," Baez said.

Baez reminds her followers that these were her music videos from 2020 and 2021 that she shared with Lizzo's team to show her artistry as a "body positive artist," and the following year, she happened to use the same ideas and concepts for her performances. Baez was showered with praise for handling the situation with maturity and respect. She didn't drag Lizzo or accuse her of anything. She just presented the facts and told her followers the chain of events.

"I love your work and ur spirit! I'm so sorry that happened with Lizzo, it's an awful feeling having your work stolen and not being given credit!" a follower wrote.

"You don't need Lizzo. Your work is inspiring and creative in its own right. You got a new follower here," another said.

Some suggested that Lizzo herself may have never seen Baez's music videos, that it was her team who was responsible for this theft of her artistry. Regardless of what actually transpired, if these allegations are true, they only point to the mean-girl nature of Lizzo, who pretends to be a cheerleader for women (especially large women) and yet mistreats them behind closed doors. Lizzo has yet to respond to these allegations.

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