Lizzo has experienced a pretty turbulent last couple of years, mostly due to hostile workplace and sexual harassment allegations against her in a lawsuit from various former dancers, along with other claims. However, with the case still reportedly on hold for now, she feels much better about sharing her ups and downs, speaking on her mental health, and addressing the public more visibly. Well, sometimes. During Fortune‘s “Most Powerful Women” event, the singer was asked about the allegations for an interview. Her response does not go into much detail about the accusations, most likely for legal reasons. But it does suggest that this event wasn’t the space to go into that.
“You know, I don’t want to talk about things like that,” Lizzo expressed when asked how she felt about the allegations. “This isn’t the space for it. We’re celebrating female CEOs and powerful women. This isn’t really the space to talk about the negative things that happen to us. ‘Cause so much negative stuff happens to powerful women, and this is not the space.” “Right. As I agree with you, I don’t think this is the platform for that. *laughs*,” she continued when the interviewer spoke on the necessary opportunity for powerful women to address their own allegations in their own words rather than through other reports.
“I’m the happiest I’ve been in 10 months,” Lizzo shared concerning her mental health a few months ago. “The strange thing about depression is you don’t know you’re in it until you’re out of it. I’m definitely not all the way as carefree as I used to be.. But the dark cloud that followed me every day is finally clearing up. My smile reaches my eyes again and that’s a win. I thought my album was finished.. but I gotta get some of these good vibes off in a banger real quick. Thanks for your patience [red heart emoji].”
Meanwhile, it’s important to emphasize that this still an open case with some dismissed allegations and others still on the table. As such, we still have yet to receive an official ruling from a court of law on these accusations against Lizzo.
Kanye West continues to deal with a sexual harassment lawsuit against him from his former assistant at Yeezy, Lauren Pisciotta. For those unaware, she made the allegation that he sent her inappropriate text messages throughout their working relationship from 2021 to 2022, during which she also served as Chief of Staff. In a new alleged legal filing reportedly obtained by Hollywood Unlocked, Pisciotta and her legal team claimed that Ye texted her about his desire to sleep with his wife Bianca Censori’s mother. It’s important to note that, at the time of this alleged incident (September 28, 2022), West and Censori hadn’t married yet.
In the Instagram post below, you can see some of Lauren Pisciotta’s specific claims about this, mostly communicated through alleged text message exchanges. Not only that, but she alleged that Kanye West actually texted Bianca Censori about this, although there was no note of her reaction to this. While this is a pretty scandalous and salacious allegation, it doesn’t have any bearing on this case. The focus is how Ye allegedly harassed Pisciotta through inappropriate text message and phone call interactions, as well as workplace incidents. This alleged boasting and expression certainly falls under that, but it’s for how he allegedly spoke on this with Pisciotta, not because of the alleged desire itself.
However, this news fell during a relatively ironic time, as Kanye West and Bianca Censori seemed to disprove divorce rumors recently thanks to a Tokyo shopping trip they went on. Nevertheless, it’s unclear whether or not they plan to respond to these allegations in court. Ye has already settled some of his open lawsuits quietly, such as one for battery. As for this one, though, it seems like it’s still in a relative limbo period.
Of course, all that could change very quickly. Regardless, we doubt that Kanye West is paying it much mind if Touré’s recent claims about his goings-on are true. According to the hip-hop journalist, the Chicago artist is hunkering down in Tokyo, living at a hotel and self-producing his next album. We will see whether his Japan stay also results in a legal response to these allegations.
In April of this year, Megan Thee Stallion’s former cameraman Emilio Garcia filed a lawsuit against the hitmaker, accusing her of sexual harassment and labor code violations. He alleged that she made him watch a sexual encounter between her and another woman on a 2022 trip to Ibiza. He was fired the following year. Meg and her team previously denied the allegations and are now looking to get the lawsuit dropped. According to court documents obtained by legal reporter Meghann Cuniff, she filed a motion for dismissal yesterday (June 25).
Meg’s team argues that Garcia should’ve filed his suit in New York instead of California, where neither of them are residents. “This case involves an alleged incident that occurred out of the country, an out-of-state plaintiff and an out-of-state defendant with no minimum contacts with California,” her lawyers wrote. “Defendant Megan Thee Stallion (Megan Pete or ‘Ms. Pete’) is a citizen of Florida. Plaintiff Emilio Garcia is a citizen of Texas. By Plaintiff’s own admission, his false tort claims against Ms. Pete arise from conduct that purportedly occurred in Ibiza, Spain.”
Megan Thee Stallion performs on Day 1 of BottleRock Napa Valley at Napa Valley Expo on May 24, 2024 in Napa, California. (Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images)
“Plaintiff’s meritless labor claims relate to a contract that expressly classifies him as an independent contractor and provides for New York law and the exclusive jurisdiction of New York courts,” they also added. “Put simply, California has no jurisdiction over Ms. Pete in this case and her Motion should be granted.” The judge has yet to rule on Meg’s latest motion.
What do you think of Megan Thee Stallion asking a judge to dismiss her ex-cameraman’s lawsuit earlier this week? What about his allegations of sexual harassment and labor code violations? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
The sexual harassment lawsuit from former Yeezy employee Lauren Pisciotta against Kanye West has reportedly roped his wife Bianca Censori into things as well, according to supposed court documents reportedly obtained by XXL. Take this all with a grain of salt, but Pisciotta claims that they once bragged to her about having a five-person orgy. In addition, Pisciotta also alleged that, in that same month, Ye supposedly told Bianca and female guests to orally pleasure him and his male guests in the company’s office’s changing room and allegedly asked Pisciotta to take her cardigan off because “it was covering too much.”
Furthermore, this claim arrives in the media and the headlines as Kanye West and Bianca Censori departed Italy for Japan with some interesting fashion choices. As of writing this article, it doesn’t seem like either party has responded either directly or indirectly, via gossip or sources, to these newly discussed claims. For those unaware, the big picture of Lauren Pisciotta’s claims is that Ye allegedly sent her inappropriate texts and videos, pleasured himself during phone calls with her and made her aware of it, and engaged in more examples of pressured advances. Given that Censori was presumably just his co-worker, fling, or girlfriend at the time and not his “wife” (whether in the ceremonious or legal sense), this part of the narrative is slightly murky but nonetheless harrowing and deserving of accountability.
Kanye West and Bianca Censori at Marni RTW Fall 2024 as part of Milan Ready to Wear Fashion Week held on February 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, this is part of the statement that Kanye West’s team issued in response to Lauren Pisciotta’s lawsuit. “In response to these baseless allegations, Ye will [file] a lawsuit against Ms. Pisciotta, who actively pursued him sexually to coerce employment and other material benefits, then engaged in blackmail and extortion when [he rejected] her advances,” Ye’s attorney stated to XXL. “Prior to her termination as an assistant, Ms. Pisciotta stole his cell phone in an attempt to destroy phone records that would contradict her claims, all of which […] preserved.
“She [received termination] for being unqualified, demanding unreasonable sums of money (including a $4 million annual salary) and numerous documented incidents of her lascivious, unhinged conduct,” Kanye West’s statement continued. “During her employment, Ms. Pisciotta offered Ye sex on his birthday […] which he declined, sent Ye unsolicited nude images, sexual narratives and [twerked] in the office during business hours.”
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Kanye West’s former assistant Lauren Pisciotta is suing him for alleged sexual harassment. In her suit, Pisciotta claims that after working alongside the Chicago MC on various projects, things took an uncomfortable turn for the worse. She alleges that Ye began to send her sexually explicit text messages and videos, masturbate during phone calls, ask invasive questions about her partners, and more.
Now, Dr. Jenn Mann of the reality series Couples Therapy has weighed in on the accusations in a chat with TMZ, claiming that the alleged text messages could say a lot about the rapper’s sexual preferences. “See my problem is I be wanting to f*** but then after I f*** I want a girl to tell me how hard they been f***ed while I’m f***ing them. Then I want her to cheat on me,” one of the alleged messages reads.
Dr. Jenn Mann Discusses Kanye West’s Sexual Harassment Allegations
According to Dr. Jenn, the alleged evidence points to Ye being a “cuckold,” or someone who enjoys watching or hearing about their partner having sex with someone else. This is unconfirmed, though the reality star appears to make a good case. Dr. Jenn also explained that since Pisciotta was the performer’s employee, there was allegedly a power imbalance at play as well as a “violation of trust.”
As for Ye, he denies the allegations brought against him by Pisciotta. He accuses her of blackmailing and extorting him after her alleged sexual advances were rejected. Reportedly, he plans to file a countersuit in response. “It is evident that Ms. Pisciotta leveraged her association with Ye and his company, and her proximity to him, to seek material gains, clout, and employment through inappropriate means,” his representative said last week. What do you think of Dr. Jenn Mann’s take on Kanye West’s alleged text message to his former assistant? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Mangroe’s allegations were made public on June 4, and within hours, The-Dream issued a response. In a statement obtained by the New York Times, the R&B singer claimed that none of what Mangroe said was true. “These claims are untrue and defamatory,” the statement read. The-Dream also said he was firmly against harassment. “I oppose all forms of harassment,” he added. “I have always strived to help people realize their career goals. As someone committed to making a positive impact on my fellow artists and the world at large, I am deeply offended and saddened by these accusations.”
The-Dream’s comments have not deterred his accuser. Mangroe maintains that the R&B singer raped her on more than one occasion. She also claimed that The-Dream would “frequently” strangle her during “violent sex” that became so intense during one instance “she almost lost consciousness.” Other details paint a picture of The-Dream as a manipulative person who controlled every single aspect of Mangroe’s life. According to People Magazine, Mangroe is naming The-Dream and his label, Epic Records, in a suit for enabling “depraved behavior.”
The-Dream has a history of violent behavior. The singer was arrested for a domestic violence incident in 2013, but his girlfriend refused to press charges. He was arrested the following year on charges of felony assault and strangulation against the same girlfriend, Lydia Nam. The girlfriend claimed that The-Dream “punched, kicked, and strangled her” while she was pregnant with their son. She reported the incident seven months later, and the singer turned himself in for questioning. The charges against him were ultimately dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
In August of 2023, three of Lizzo’s former backup dancers came together to sue the hitmaker. The dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, accuse her of sexual harassment, creating a hostile working environment, and more. Since they filed the lawsuit, Lizzo has formally denied the allegations. She’s also continued to push for the case to be dropped under California’s anti-SLAPP statute. In January, Los Angeles Judge Mark H. Epstein denied her motion to toss out the suit altogether, though he did dismiss certain accusations.
Now, the performer has an opportunity to appeal his ruling. On Thursday (March 7), Epstein ordered the case “stayed,” meaning that all proceedings will be on pause for the foreseeable future. It’s unclear exactly how long the case will be halted, but it’s expected to be at least a few months before proceedings pick back up.
Lizzo performs in support of her “Special” release at Chase Center on November 12, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
“It is dangerous for the court to weigh in, ham-fisted, into constitutionally protected activity,” Epstein said of his January ruling. “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.” Lizzo’s former dancers aren’t the only ones to take legal action against her in recent months, however.
In December, designer Asha Daniels alleged that she encountered a “culture of racism and bullying” while working with Lizzo on her Special tour. Lizzo’s legal team quickly denied Daniels’ claims, calling them “meritless and salacious.” According to them, the designer “refused to comply with instructions” and “refused to show up for work.” What do you think of Lizzo’s backup dancers’ lawsuit being put on hold? Are you surprised that it will be at least another few months before the case can move forward? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Lizzo’s legal team has asked 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. The presiding judge is yet to rule on the motion.
This comes around a month after a number of the plaintiffs sought to challenge Lizzo’s usage of anti-SLAPP legislation. Anti-SLAPP legislation protects people against deliberately frivolous lawsuits designed to silence or oppress them. The term fully entered the public zeitgeist several years ago. It was popularized after a coal mining company attempted to serve Jon Oliver with a SLAPP suit. “Can a global celebrity be forever insulated from civil liability because all their conduct is protected as free speech under the anti-SLAPP statute? Defendant Lizzo asks this Court to rule in exactly that fashion. Fortunately for all victims of celebrity malfeasance, the law says otherwise,” the attorneys for three of the dancers suing Lizzo wrote in their motion.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Lizzo attends the World Premiere of “Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé” at Samuel Goldwyn Theater on November 25, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/WireImage for Parkwood)
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.
Most people remember Banks’ infamous 2019 rant in which she said she hated Lizzo and her “fake a– body positivity”. However, this is not the first time that Banks has defended Lizzo. Last year, she went after Kanye after he took aim at Lizzo’s weight. “[Kanye] can’t be trying to lollipop off the 4 year old discussion about Lizzo’s health and weight. He has an entire McDonald’s commercial,” Banks said on social media.
Recently, Christian Keyes came forward to share his story of being sexually harassed. He claims that the person responsible is a “powerful man” in Hollywood, though he hasn’t disclosed his name. He explained that while he’s tried to forgive this person, it’s grown difficult as they’re widely praised.
At one point, he also unveiled a small recording device, revealing that he’s been carrying something similar for years. He says that sometime soon, he’ll be handing over the recordings he’s captured of this person 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,” he explained. “Because sexual harassment is a crime, attempted sexual assault is a felony.”
Keyes claims to have rejected the unnamed man on various occasions. He says that he started carrying the recording device in order to have evidence if his refusal to participate impacted his career. “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,” he recalled. Keyes alleges that the man once offered him $100K to “take his clothes off,” attempted to get into bed with him, and more.
Countless fans and peers have shown the actor support after hearing his story, noting how difficult it can be for victims to come forward. Claudia Jordan, for example, took to her Instagram Story to applaud him. “He told me some of this 15 years ago verbatim and said one day he was going to come forward,” she wrote. “I commend him for his bravery!!”
What do you think of Christian Keyes coming forward claiming to have been sexually harassed? What about Claudia Jordan’s response? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
She was no stranger to the limelight, but Emaza Gibson was ready to receive new visibility with the help of Jason Derulo. For those who may recognize Emaza’s name, it’s for good measure—the young star was once a part of the Roc Nation sister duo, Ceraadi. The pair stirred things up in the R&B-Hip Hop lane and were a promising act for the mega-label. However, reported family issues divided the sisters, ultimately disbanding them.
Emaza pressed forward without her sister Saiyr; since 2021, she’s embarked on a solo career. According to NBC News in an explosive report, Gibson was excited at the prospect of signing to Derulo’s Atlantic Records imprint, Future History. However, the singer said Derulo’s intentions were far from pure. Gibson accused Derulo of unwanted advances, aggression, making her fear for her safety, and insinuating that for her career to advance, she’d have to have sex with him. Further, she said when she turned Derulo down, his attitude changed.
Emaza Gibson Details Her Allegations
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 23: (L-R) Emaza Gibson and Saiyr Gibson. Of Ceraadi attend the 2019 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET)
To spread awareness about her sexual harassment lawsuit, Gibson spoke candidly with NBC News. “I’m at this point in my life right now, it’s very heartbreaking,” Emaza explained. “I have anxiety; I’m traumatized. I’ve dealt with inhumane work situations. … I’m at this point where I’m back to zero and I have nothing.” She added, “I’m like, OK, well, Jason is a great artist — big, international, powered with Atlantic — this should be a no-brainer, and I should be able to, you know, start my solo career.”
Although she once held rank at Roc Nation, Gibson asserted that she desired to be attached to Atlantic Records. Thus, connecting with Derulo professionally through his imprint was a dream come true. Emaza claimed that she attempted to navigate professionalism as Derulo repeatedly invited her out for drinks in private establishments. He also reportedly did the same during or following their time working in the studio.
Later, in the Fall of 2021, Gibson added she told Derulo she wasn’t interested in a personal relationship. “I told him that I wasn’t a drinker … so it’s like, you know, you’re not listening to that the first time I tell you, and you’re still pushing on me. It’s, like, pressure at this point.” She even suggested that he hinted at something darker, like a blood ritual, when he mentioned “fish scales and goat skin.” Emaza stated, “I’ve never heard about this, and I was trying to find and make sense of what it was, and I came across those articles.”
Continued Allegations Of Inappropriate Behavior
MIAMI BEACH, FL – JUNE 29: Jason Derulo poses in the Wonderwall Portrait Studio at the iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party Presented by VISIT FLORIDA at Fontainebleau’s BleauLive in Miami featuring live performances by Pitbull, Ke$ha, Afrojack, Icona Pop, Krewella and Jason Derulo on June 29, 2013 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Clear Channel)
Gibson also shared that during a trip to the Big Apple in 2021, she and Derulo were set to meet with Atlantic bigwigs. However, at the last minute, he introduced a woman named Rosa, who would be with them. Gibson didn’t know Rosa, but the woman reportedly told the singer that she and Derulo were sleeping together. Then, in the meeting with executives, Derulo played Rosa’s music. Emaza noted that Rosa’s career flourished because she and Derulo allegedly had an intimate relationship.
When Gibson later mentioned this to Derulo’s manager, she claimed the singer became irate. That was the purported catalyst that caused Derulo to stop all contact. Emaza couldn’t communicate with Derulo, so to get a project manager to work on her career, she reached out to Atlantic directly. Gibson and Derulo would meet again in the summer of 2022, discussing various aspects of her music and scheduled studio time. However, during a session, Gibson stated Derulo became upset because she was late, and she did feel safe after he erupted. He allegedly “charged” at and “berated” the singer in front of witnesses.
The lawsuit further states that Gibson and her mother attempted to get help from Atlantic, but they did not offer up solutions. The label was reportedly excited about Gibson’s addition, but Derulo was supposedly making things difficult behind the scenes. In September 2022, both Derulo and Atlantic parted ways with the singer. Now, she’s suing him for sexual harassment, alleging “emotionally and physically inappropriate behavior.”
Gibson intends to “fight for what’s right,” she says, “because what was done to me was not OK.” She doesn’t want to see other artists experience someone using such an opportunity as a pawn. Both Future History and Atlantic are also named in court documents. Gibson seeks “unpaid wages, loss of earnings, deferred compensation and other employment benefits and damages for emotional distress.”
Jason Derulo nor his attorney responded to NBC News‘s attempts for a statement.
