On social media, Lizzo—whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson—shared a video statement celebrating the dismissal of the fat-shaming claims.
GRAMMY-winning singer Lizzo has marked a legal victory after a judge dismissed fat-shaming allegations that were part of a wider lawsuit brought against her by former backup dancers. The development comes more than two years after a 2023 lawsuit accused the star and her production company of creating a hostile work environment and fat-shaming employees—claims that stood in stark contrast to Lizzo’s long-standing image as a champion of body positivity.
On social media, Lizzo—whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson—shared a video statement celebrating the dismissal of the fat-shaming claims. “There was no evidence that I fired them because they gained weight”, she declared, stressing that the dancers were let go for recording a private meeting without her consent and distributing it to others. “The truth is finally out”, she said, adding that she has “never fired an employee for gaining weight” and has consistently used her platform to support people of all body shapes and sizes.
The judge’s ruling stems from legal arguments that the fat-shaming allegations lacked merit in court and were contradicted by evidence. The dancers subsequently chose not to pursue an appeal of this portion of the case.
Whilst this is a significant moment for Lizzo, it does not conclude the entire lawsuit. Other claims in the case—including allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct—remain active and are set to move forward in court. Lizzo’s legal team has characterised the broader lawsuit as unfounded, and the artist herself has vowed to continue defending her reputation vigorously.
For Lizzo, whose music and public persona have been intertwined with messages of self-love and inclusivity, this legal win offers a measure of vindication—even as the wider dispute continues to unfold.
