Title: Filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison Accuses Lizzo of Disrespect and Toxic Workplace Behavior
Subtitle: Another Allegation Emerges Amidst Sexual Harassment Lawsuit from Former Backup Dancers
[City], [State] – A new allegation has surfaced against renowned singer Lizzo, just days after former backup dancers filed a sexual harassment and hostile workplace lawsuit against her and her production company. Documentary filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison, an Oscar nominee for her 2019 short film “A Love for Latasha,” took to social media to reveal her own experience of being mistreated and disrespected by Lizzo, which ultimately led her to walk away from a documentary project.
Allison, who had initially joined the project as the director, alleged that she endured “arrogant, self-centered, and unkind” behavior from Lizzo. After only two weeks of shadowing the singer, Allison decided to part ways, citing a lack of support and a “sh*tty situation” she was thrown into. The filmmaker’s accusation further emphasizes the pattern of harassment alleged in the recent lawsuit filed by the former backup dancers, who claimed to have faced ongoing mistreatment from Lizzo and her production team, including sexual, religious, and racial harassment.
Speaking out on Instagram and Twitter, Allison stated, “I usually do not comment on anything pop culture related, but in 2019, I traveled a bit with Lizzo to be the director of her documentary. I walked away after about two weeks. I was treated with such disrespect by her. I witnessed how arrogant, unkind, and cruel she is. I was not protected and thrown into a sh*tty situation with little support.” She emphasized feeling gaslit and deeply hurt, but acknowledged that she has since healed.
The filmmaker’s post shed light on the frequent occurrence of abuse of power within the industry, expressing her concern for the safety of others who might have faced similar experiences. Allison also revealed that she had heard from other individuals who had gone through comparable ordeals with Lizzo. She alleged that the singer creates a toxic and hostile working environment, undervaluing the labor and authority of other black and brown women in the process. Allison pointed out the irony of the documentary ultimately being directed by a cis white man and called Lizzo a “narcissistic bully” who has built her brand on falsehoods.
“Lizzo’s image and ‘message’ was a curated facade,” Allison continued. Although she had initially hoped to support and protect a Black woman through the documentary process, she claimed to have quickly realized the discrepancies between Lizzo’s public persona and her true character.
In response to these allegations, Lizzo or her representatives have not released any statements thus far.
The HBO Max documentary “Love, Lizzo,” released in November 2022, was directed by Doug Pray, known for films such as “Art & Copy” (2009) and “Surfwise” (2008).
As these allegations continue to garner attention, it is imperative that investigations are conducted thoroughly to shed light on the truth behind them. The courage displayed by those who come forward helps to expose the existing power dynamics within the entertainment industry and encourages discussion and change.