sexual-harassment Archives - New Hip Hop News

Lizzo Breaks Silence On Dismissal Of Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

December 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lizzo recently reflected on facing bombshell sexual harassment lawsuits from her dancers and her former stylist during an appearance on the Baby, This Is Keke Palmer podcast. The latter case has since been dismissed with a judge in California ruling against the stylist, Asha Daniels. Daniels is still in the process of taking legal action against Lizzo’s touring and payroll companies, however.

“I was literally living in my dream, and then the tour ended, and three ex-dancers just completely, like, blindsided me with a lawsuit,” Lizzo told Palmer. “I was very deeply hurt because these were three ex-dancers, so they weren’t on the tour. They didn’t, like, finish the tour out with us. But even regardless of that, these were people that I gave opportunities to. These were people that — I liked them and appreciated them as dancers, respected them as dancers. So I was like, what? But then I heard all the other things like sexual harassment, and I was like, they’re trying well, I don’t know what they’re trying to do, but these are the types of things that the media can turn into something that it’s not.”

Lizzo Performs On Tour In Phoenix

Lizzo performs at Footprint Center in Phoenix on May 24, 2023, as part of her Special Tour. © Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lizzo added that she has no regrets about the situation. “Let’s be clear, I did nothing wrong,” she argued. She said that the sexual harassment allegations, which she described as “silly,” offended her the most. The dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, filed their lawsuit against Lizzo back in August 2023. They accused her of alleged sexual, religious, and racial harassment, as well as disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment. One of the dancers made headlines for alleging that Lizzo pressured them into touching naked dancers in Amsterdam’s iconic Red Light District.

Lizzo Speaks Out On Previous Lawsuit Against Her

Elsewhere in the interview, Lizzo confirmed that she’s already back at work on new music. “A lot of the music is me talking things through,” she said. “I remembered my purpose… I’m putting everything in my art.” Check out Lizzo’s full comments on the lawsuit below.

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Jason Lee Recalls Working With Kanye West’s Sexual Harassment Accuser

August 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jason Lee recently reflected on his time working with Kanye West and gave his thoughts on the rapper’s former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, who is suing him for alleged sexual harassment. Speaking with VladTV, Lee began by describing her as a “great girl” and praised her as being one of the best assistants he’s ever met.

“She’s really solid and she was super loyal to Ye. The thing that I hate about watching her go through what she’s going through is she’s super non-problematic,” he said. From there, he explained how all aspects of West’s business ran through her.

Kanye West & Jason Lee Attend “Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy” Screening

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 11: (L-R) Ye and Jason Lee attend the jeen-yuhs experience and special screening celebrating Netflix’s new documentary, “jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy” at Mother Wolf on February 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Netflix)

“I can say that I never witnessed that,” Lee said of the harassment claims. “Every time I witnessed them together, it was professional, but she was– think about this, his entire world was managed by this one person and all the craziness going on. So, if Meta was taking down his Instagram, I was dealing with her and Instagram to get the Instagram back. If the divorce attorneys wanted to track him down to talk about court with Kim, she had to facilitate all that. Accounting, photoshoots, she literally was the gatekeeper. So, I know she worked closely with him. I know that Bianca, his girl, lived in her apartment building and they used to be cool I believe. He would then go to her house while she was at her house. It became this really crazy relationship. But, I don’t know. I didn’t see Ye sexually harass her.”

Jason Lee Speaks On Working With Kanye West

Pisciotta filed her lawsuit against West back in June, accusing him of breach of contract, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and fostering a hostile work environment. Check out Lee’s full comments on working with West below. Be on the lookout for further updates on Jason Lee and Kanye West on HotNewHipHop.

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Megan Thee Stallion Refutes Sexual Harassment Lawsuit, Calls The Man Who Filed It A “Con Artist”

May 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Last month, Megan Thee Stallion fans were blindsided by a newly emerging story. It revealed that a lawsuit was filed against her alleging sexual harassment. The claims were bizarre by any standards, but in particular for Meg. The allegations came from a photographer who claimed that the “BOA” rapper forced him to watch her have sex in a moving vehicle. He claims the incident happened while he was with them in the car but couldn’t escape because it was still moving. The suit includes details about how he was “embarrassed” and “mortified by the experience.”

Now according to Billboard, Megan is replying with an absolutely scathing retort of the allegations. A statement made by her lawyer claims that the lawsuit “consists almost entirely of falsehoods, misrepresentations of fact, and outlandish claims that have no basis in fact or law and no merit.” The statement also accuses the photographer of “manipulating the judicial system to act as his publicist and bullhorn in a desperate attempt to boost his failed singing career while trying to tear down the successful career of Megan.” Check out everything she had to say in response to the lawsuit below.

Megan Thee Stallion Responds To Lawsuit

Megan Thee Stallion Fires Back at Cameraman’s Car-Sex Harassment Lawsuit: ‘Plaintiff Is A Con Artist’ https://t.co/yVYHOdMx9d

— billboard (@billboard) May 30, 2024

Megan Thee Stallion is gearing up to release a new album soon. Her upcoming snake-themed project has already been teased with three different singles. Last year she began the new era with “COBRA,” before dropping “HISS” earlier this year and “BOA” just last week. Megan has also been dropping new freestyles every Monday so far this month. That led to her freestyle throne being challenged by Erica Banks. But shortly after her claims fans dug up old tweets Banks made that worked to discredit some of her brags.

What do you think of Megan Thee Stallion’s response to the allegations made against her in a recent lawsuit? Do you believe any of the claims the lawsuit makes about Meg making a photographer watch her have sex in a car? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Diddy Sued by ‘The Love Album’ Producer for Sexual Harassment and Assault

February 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Rebrands Combs Enterprises to Combs Global as Business Portfolio Expands

Diddy is once again the subject of a lawsuit. The legal documents obtained named Stevie J, Yung Miami, Cuba Gooding Jr., and has a lengthy list of defendants.

According to NBC News, Diddy is being sued by producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, who claims to have lived and traveled with the Bad Boy Records mogul from Sept. 2022 to Nov. 2023. Jones claimed he has hours of video and audio of Diddy and his staff participating in “serious illegal activity.” He is seeking $30 million in damages.

Jones was hired to produce songs on Diddy’s latest Grammy-nominated album, The Love Album: Off the Grid.

Jones states in addition to working as a producer, Diddy forced him to find sex workers and also pressured him into sex acts for his pleasure. Jones also states Diddy would hand out laced alcoholic beverages at his house parties.

For recruitment of sex workers, Diddy allegedly gave Jones a Bad Boy baseball cap, which was known to be a signal in the area that Diddy was seeking sex workers.

Jones stated he was assaulted and harassed in Florida, Los Angeles, New York, and while traveling on a yacht in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Jones says he was subjected to “constant unsolicited and unauthorized groping and touching of his anus.”

Diddy is accused of forcing Jones to work in a bathroom while he showed in a glass enclosure and attempting to “groom him into accepting a homosexual relationship.”

Jones also states Diddy would often brandish guns and bragged about being the cause of the 1999 New York City nightclub shooting, which jailed Shyne.

According to TMZ, the legal docs state Jones was forced to watch a video showing Hitmen producer Stevie J having sex with another man. He also states a cousin of Yung Miami, Diddy’s girlfriend, sexually assaulted him and tried to initiate sex in front of Diddy and his staff.

Jones also states Justin Combs recruited prostitutes and underage girls while actor Cuba Gooding Jr. was at one of Diddy’s yacht parties. Gooding Jr. allegedly was “touching, groping, and fondling Mr. Jones’s legs, his upper inner thighs near his groin, the small of his back near his buttocks and his shoulders.” Gooding Jr. settled a separate lawsuit for rape in June 2003.

Included in the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York are images of Diddy with alleged underage girls and sex workers. The suit also lists Diddy’s son, Justin Combs, Diddy’s chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, and a run of music executives, including Universal Music Group CEO Sir Lucian Grainge and former Motown Records CEO Ethiopia Habtemariam, as defendants.

Jones categorizes the record labels and their representing executives as a “RICO enterprise” that “failed to adequately monitor, warn, or supervise” Diddy’s actions.

Diddy’s legal representation, Shawn Holley, released a statement.

“We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies. Our attempts to share this proof with Mr. Jones’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, have been ignored, as Mr. Blackburn refuses to return our calls,” Holley said in a statement. “We will address these outlandish allegations in court and take all appropriate action against those who make them.”

A rep for Justin Combs reached out to TMZ, stating, “Justin Combs categorically denies these absurd allegations. They are all lies! This is a a clear example of a desperate person taking desperate measures in hopes of a pay day. There will be legal consequences for ALL defamatory statements made about the Combs family.”

The post Diddy Sued by ‘The Love Album’ Producer for Sexual Harassment and Assault first appeared on The Source.

The post Diddy Sued by ‘The Love Album’ Producer for Sexual Harassment and Assault appeared first on The Source.

Andy Cohen Accused Of Sexual Harassment By Brandi Glanville

February 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Andy Cohen is a massive star as it pertains to the reality television world. Overall, he built his empire thanks to The Real Housewives and Watch What Happens Live. Throughout the years, he has had numerous massive stars on his shows. Furthermore, his friendship with Anderson Cooper has certainly helped him out as far as visibility is concerned. Now, however, he is facing some very serious allegations that could put his empire in jeopardy. These allegations are coming from The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills alum, Brandi Glanville.

According to Page Six, her lawyers sent a letter to NBC where they made the allegations against Cohen. In the letter, it claims that Cohen had told her about someone at Bravo that he wanted to sleep with. She claims that he was drunk and that he even said she could watch him sleep with the person, on FaceTime. Interestingly enough, Glanville is facing her own allegations as Caroline Manzo accused her of sexual assault.

Andy Cohen Hit With Serious Allegations

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

“Mr. Cohen was Ms. Glanville’s boss at the time and exercised complete and total control over her career,” the letter explains. “This was an extraordinary abuse of power that left Ms. Glanville feeling trapped and disgusted. It is inconceivable that Mr. Cohen remains in his post in spite of this behavior and harkens back to the bad old days of Matt Lauer and NBC News when profits were prioritized over people.” It remains to be seen what will happen to Cohen in light of this lawsuit. Overall, this could turn out to be a massive scandal for the network. However, this is still the early stages of the complaint.

Let us know what you think about all of this, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates from around the entertainment world. We will always be sure to keep you informed on all of your favorite ersonalities and their upcoming projects.

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Lizzo Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Amended But Not Dismissed

February 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It was a mixed day in court for Lizzo yesterday. The sexual harassment lawsuit filed against the singer last year was amended but not fully dismissed. Judge Mark H. Epstein removed several accusations, including the claim that Lizzo fat-shamed one of her former dancers. However, Judge Epstein ruled that there was enough merit to move the case forward. “It is dangerous for the court to weigh in, ham-fisted, into constitutionally protected activity. But it is equally dangerous to turn a blind eye to allegations of discrimination or other forms of misconduct merely because they take place in a speech-related environment,” Epstein wrote in his decision.

Lizzo had been seeking a dismissal under California’s anit-SLAPP legislation. The law protects defendants from otherwise baseless lawsuits filed purely to silence said defendant. The law is commonly used against corporations who attempt to sue their critics into silence. The singer has long argued that this is the case with the suit she is facing. “Instead of taking any accountability for their own actions, plaintiffs filed this lawsuit against defendants out of spite and in pursuit of media attention, public sympathy and a quick payday with minimal effort,” Lizzo’s attorney wrote last year.

Lizzo Wants Sexual Harassment Documents Sealed By The Court

Lizzo Sexual Harassment Case Cleared to Go to Trial After Judge Denies Singer’s Request to Toss Lawsuit https://t.co/8ZLlIt5mre

— billboard (@billboard) February 2, 2024

Meanwhile, Lizzo’s team ended 2023 by trying to limit the public scope of the ongoing legal battle. A motion was filed asking the court to seal a number of documents relating to ongoing sexual harassment lawsuits against the singer. In their motion, Lizzo’s team argues that “documents, correspondence and testimony that contain sensitive, confidential information and/or proprietary business information, including employee compensation, contract negotiation, and third-party sensitive contact information” should not be made public.

While the suits and countersuits surrounding Lizzo remain ongoing, the case has deeply divided the music industry. In early November, Azealia Banks came out with a surprising apology for the embattled singer. “I was having a conversation last night. And I realized that I owe @lizzobeeating a huge apology for popping so much sh-t. If hip hop will allow a 55+ severely overweight @bustarhymes who exhibits major of anabolic steroid abuse, adrenal gland failure, and constipation. And will also allow him to have a face full of blackheads and acne from what appears to be a testosterone shot abuse. And whilst drinking molly water in 2023 and wearing cartoon-like Neon yellow fake gold slick Rick chains. We have absolutely no right to be trying to skewered a YOUNG black woman – for anything,” Banks wrote.

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Jason Lee Believes Christian Keyes Allegations Will “Rock The Industry”

December 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Jason Lee of Hollywood Unlocked and The Jason Lee Show fame recently commented on vague allegations made by actor Christian Keyes. For those unaware, this vagueness is not due to the heft of the sexual harassment allegations themselves, as they involve some significant detail. Rather, it’s because the 48-year-old did not name his alleged assailant, who is a “powerful man” within the entertainment industry. As such, many folks theorized online about who this could be, and many other celebrities spoke on the matter. As for Lee, he defended Keyes’ intentions and claimed that he knows who he’s talking about. With this in mind, he hinted at this being a massive story that will shake up a lot within the media.

“I know who Christian Keyes is talking about and baby this is going to rock the industry,” Jason Lee penned on his Twitter page on Saturday (December 16). “Networks, icons, black Hollywood– it’s a wrap if he speaks out. And he should. @ChristianKeyes has never been “messy” so don’t question his motives.” Perhaps this is something that the two will sit down to discuss in the near future, as Lee has never shied away from one-on-one interviews on heavy topics and drama.

Jason Lee’s Comments On Christian Keyes Allegations

I know who Christian Keyes is talking about and baby this is going to rock the industry. Networks, icons, black hollywood – it’s a wrap if he speaks out. And he should. @ChristianKeyes has never been “messy” so don’t question his motives.

— Jason Lee (@theonlyjasonlee) December 17, 2023

As for the allegations themselves, Christian Keyes said that he’s tried to forgive his alleged assailant, but that it becomes difficult as he receives more acclaim. Not only that, but he showed a recording device on which he has various interactions with this person, which he plans give to authorities. “The wonderful thing about confidentiality agreements and non-disclosure agreements is that they can’t prevent you from turning all of those things over to the police,” Keyes shared. “Because sexual harassment is a crime, attempted sexual assault is a felony.” He also detailed rejecting this “powerful man” multiple times, and that he started carrying the recording device for protection.

“I was like, ‘I need to protect me. I’m saying no, and I don’t want this person, as powerful as they are, to try to get in the way of my work.’ So I started recording.” Specifically, the model said that the man offered him $100K to “take [his] clothes off,” tried to sleep with him, and more. Claudia Jordan was one of many celebrities to express support for him. “He told me some of this 15 years ago verbatim and said one day he was going to come forward. I commend him for his bravery!!” she wrote, which adds to her recent comments on big media drama. For more news and the latest updates on Jason Lee and Christian Keyes, stay posted on HNHH.

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Lizzo Hit With Additional Sexual Harassment Allegations

August 9, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Lizzo’s been a beacon in the body-positivity movement since she made it big. Her songs boast clear messages of empowerment, self-love, and more. This, coupled with her seemingly fun and bubbly personality, has gained the pop star millions of fans around the world. Last week, however, it appears as though everything came crashing down for Lizzo, as multiple former employees came forward with some serious allegations against her. According to a lawsuit filed by three of her ex-backup dancers, the “Truth Hurts” performer created a hostile working environment and engaged in sexual harassment.

It’s now been reported that six additional former employees have been vetted amid the process of the lawsuit. According to lawyer Ron Zambrano, these dancers share “similar stories” to the ones that were revealed last week. Apparently, the dancers were subjected to a “sexually charged environment,” and were not properly paid. “Some of the claims we are reviewing may be actionable, but it is too soon to say,” Zambrano claims.

Lizzo’s Allegations

Lizzo Hit With Additional Sexual Harassment Allegations — Rapper, singer and songwriter Lizzo (C) performs live on stage during the 2023 BottleRock Napa Valley festival at Napa Valley Expo on May 27, 2023 in Napa, California. (Photo by Jim Bennett/Getty Images)

The allegations raised against Lizzo are shocking, to say the least. Reports claim that some of the dancers were subjected to body-shaming, and even pressured into participating in an explicit sex show in Amsterdam. “Things quickly got out of hand,” according to the lawsuit. “The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralizing,” Zambrano says.

After the initial lawsuit was made public, Lizzo took to social media to respond. She called the stories “sensationalized,” noting that her “work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned.” Lizzo further denied body-shaming her employees, claiming that she’s not the “villain” the lawsuit portrays her as.

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Lizzo Loses Significant Number Of Instagram Followers Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

August 4, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The lawsuit against Lizzo alleging sexual harassment, body shaming, and other forms of mistreatment dropped like a bombshell in pop culture. In the few days since the news broke, a staggering number of social media followers put their foot down and rescinded their support. While this is understandable given the seriousness of the situation, it seems like the singer’s denial of these allegations hasn’t slowed it down. Moreover, since news broke of this lawsuit from multiple dancers in her team, the account lost over 123,000 followers, with over 80,000 doing so within the last 24 hours or so as of writing this article. The “Special” singer still has around 13 million supporters on the platform.

Furthermore, for those unaware, this comes amid a multi-faceted lawsuit against Lizzo from three former dancers. In addition, her dance captain Shirlene Quigley and the production company Big Grrrl Big Touring are codefendants in this case. Specifically, the allegations claim that the team forced suggestively sexual acts upon the dancers, body shamed them, and creating a hostile work environment. Still, in her response, the 35-year-old dismissed these claims and reversed the blame.

Lizzo On Tour In New Zealand

Lizzo Loses Instagram Followers Lawsuit Allegations — AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JULY 26: Lizzo performs at Spark Arena on July 26, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Simpson/WireImage/Getty Images)

“I’m devastated after hearing these fabricated claims made against me,” Lizzo expressed on social media. “These are sensationalized stories from people I gave opportunities to. The allegations are as unbelievable as they sound. These former employees have already publicly admitted that they were told that their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional. Usually, I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are too outrageous not to be addressed. I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, it seems like these accusations might lead to the Detroit native facing trial. However, it’s very early in this legal process to know, and there’s a lot of information that fans still don’t know. As such, all signs point to this being a lengthy and impactful stage of her career and public image. Clearly, it’s already driving a wrench between her and fans. For more news and the latest updates on Lizzo, log back into HNHH.

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Lizzo Update: “Special” Singer Could Face Trial Over Former Dancers’ Troubling Allegations

August 4, 2023 by newhiphopnews

As much as we would like to believe that the accusations about Lizzo earlier this week aren’t true, the Detroit native’s former dancers continue to stand their ground. On Tuesday (August 1), they filed a lawsuit against the multi-talent and others on her team, explicitly accusing them of creating a hostile work environment, among other things. One of the plaintiffs accused Lizzo – a plus-sized woman known for empowering others to love the skin they’re in – of fat-shaming her before eventually firing her for weight-related causes. Elsewhere, the dancers allege that the Yitty CEO pressured them to break their boundaries during a trip to a wild Amsterdam strip club.

As the gossip has been making rounds online this week, Lizzo responded via Instagram on Thursday (August 3). Many, including her past employees, were unsatisfied with the message, notably calling the 35-year-old out for seemingly glazing over the allegations of sexual harassment in favour of only addressing weight shaming. An attorney for her former dancers, Neama Rahmani, has now entered the chat and suggests we may see Lizzo in court over the situation.

Alleged Lizzo Victims’ Attorney Suggests Trial After Singer Responds to Lawsuit

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A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

“Given Lizzo is denying that any of this happened, let’s take it to trial,” the West Coast Employment Lawyers president declared this week. “More witnesses are coming forward every day corroborating the plaintiffs’ allegations, so we’re looking forward to facing Lizzo and her team in court,” they added. While there are others who have shared their own unpleasant experiences working with the “Truth Hurts” hitmaker, internet sleuths have also uncovered videos of the same past employees who are currently taking legal action previously praising their boss for inspiring them with her work.

Part of what’s left the world so confused about the troubling allegations about Lizzo is her frequent messages about body positivity and self-acceptance in her music. Check out our recent report on some of her most noteworthy lyrics at the link below, and tap back in later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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