Lizzo Banana Lawsuit 2026, Sexual Harassment Case Still Active After Fat-Shaming Claims Dropped—What’s Next For Trial
Three former backup dancers dropped their fat-shaming allegations against Lizzo in December 2025 after a Los Angeles judge dismissed those claims. However, the core sexual harassment lawsuit—including the infamous Amsterdam “banana” incident—remains active and headed toward trial in 2026.
The viral “banana lawsuit” refers to allegations that Lizzo pressured dancers to “eat bananas protruding from the performers’ vaginas” at Amsterdam’s Bananenbar strip club in the Red Light District. This claim is still very much alive in court.
What Is The Lizzo Banana Lawsuit About?
Dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez filed suit in August 2023 accusing Lizzo (real name Melissa Jefferson) and her Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc. of creating a hostile work environment through sexual harassment, religious and racial discrimination.
According to the complaint, Lizzo invited her dancers to a club in Amsterdam while on tour in February 2023 and allegedly urged them to “take turns touching the nude performers, catching dildos launched from the performers’ vaginas, and eating bananas protruding from the performers’ vaginas”.
Davis claimed Lizzo led a chant “goading” her to touch a performer’s breast. Davis said three times, loud enough for all to hear, “I’m good,” expressing her desire not to touch the performer.
The lawsuit also names dance captain Shirlene Quigley, who allegedly pushed her Christian religious beliefs on dancers, preached opposition to pre-marital sex, and showed off a “party trick” in which she simulated oral sex on a banana.
Current Status: What Got Dropped vs. What Remains
DROPPED: In February 2024, Judge Mark H. Epstein dismissed fat-shaming claims after evidence showed dancers were fired for secretly recording Lizzo without consent, not for weight gain. Dancers dropped their appeal in November 2025.
STILL ACTIVE: Sexual harassment, hostile work environment, false imprisonment, assault, and religious harassment claims remain. The plaintiffs’ lawyer Ron Zambrano confirmed “the vast majority of claims” are still proceeding, including false imprisonment.
A federal judge scheduled a jury trial for December 1, 2025, though delays may have pushed this into 2026.
Lizzo’s Defense: “I Did Nothing Wrong”
In December 2024, Lizzo told Keke Palmer’s podcast she was “blindsided” by the lawsuit. She claimed she didn’t invite the dancers to Bananenbar: “I went on my own because I was in Amsterdam… I didn’t take [the dancers] anywhere. There was no mandatory invitation”.
Lizzo stated only two of the three dancers who sued were present at the club, and insisted “it was such a fun night” in a “consensual” environment.
Lizzo maintained: “I have never fired an employee for gaining weight. I have only encouraged and supported people with bigger bodies and shared my platform with them. They were fired for taking a private recording of me without my consent and sending it off to ex-employees”.
The Plaintiffs Push Back
Attorney Ron Zambrano responded to Lizzo’s podcast comments: “There is an utter lack of awareness by Lizzo failing to see how these young women on her team who are just starting their careers would feel pressured to accept an invitation from their global celebrity boss who rarely hangs out with them. There is a power dynamic in the boss-employee context that Lizzo utterly fails to appreciate”.
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What About The Other Lizzo Lawsuit?
Separately, wardrobe stylist Asha Daniels sued in September 2023 claiming sexual harassment and racial discrimination. In December 2024, Lizzo’s name was dropped from that case—it now targets only her Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc. production company.
Similar workplace harassment cases like the Blake Lively sexual harassment lawsuit, and Whitney Wolfe Herd Tinder settlement, show how power dynamics in entertainment workplaces create legal liability.
FAQs About The Lizzo Banana Lawsuit
Is the banana lawsuit real?
Yes. Court documents confirm Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez filed suit in August 2023 in Los Angeles Superior Court. The case remains active.
Was Lizzo found guilty?
No. No jury verdict or settlement has been reached. Some claims were dismissed, others proceed. The rulings did not determine guilt or liability.
What happened to the fat-shaming claims?
Dropped in December 2025 after a judge ruled they were barred by First Amendment protections and contradicted by evidence showing termination was due to unauthorized recordings.
When is the trial?
A jury trial was tentatively scheduled for December 1, 2025, though the current status may have shifted into 2026. Check PACER.gov for Los Angeles Superior Court updates.
Did Lizzo settle or apologize?
No. Lizzo stated in December 2024: “I am not settling. I will be fighting every single claim until the truth is out”.
Last Updated: January 30, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides information about the Lizzo sexual harassment lawsuit based on court filings and public statements. It is not legal advice.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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