Oscar-nominated director Sophia Nahli Allison recently took to social media to share her negative experiences working with singer Lizzo on a documentary project. Allison, known for her work on the Oscar-nominated documentary “A Love Song for Latasha,” claimed that she had considered directing Lizzo’s documentary and had even traveled briefly with the star in 2019. However, after about two weeks, she decided to “walk away” due to what she described as disrespectful treatment from Lizzo.
In her social media post, Allison spoke about feeling unsupported and thrown into a “s—ty situation” with little protection. She claimed to have witnessed arrogance, self-centeredness, and unkind behavior from the pop star during their time together. While she did not delve into specific details, she expressed gratitude for trusting her instincts and distancing herself from the project.
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Allison’s post also seemed to reference the ongoing lawsuit against Lizzo filed by some of her former backup dancers. The lawsuit alleges sexual and racial harassment, as well as a hostile work environment. Reading about the allegations in the lawsuit, Allison realized the gravity of the situation she had been in.
Since speaking out, Allison shared that others have privately shared similar experiences with her, and she has been affirmed by people who witnessed what she went through. She asserted that Lizzo creates a toxic and hostile working environment, undermining the work and authority of other black and brown women in the process.
The filmmaker also called out the fact that the documentary ended up being directed by a cis white man, raising concerns about the representation and voice of black women in the industry. She accused Lizzo of building her brand on lies and presenting a curated facade of herself and her message.
Allison expressed her support for the dancers who filed the lawsuit and anyone else who had similar experiences working with Lizzo and her team. She condemned the working conditions that were described and stood in solidarity with those affected.
The lawsuit against Lizzo also involves her dance team captain, Shirlene Quigley, who was accused of proselytizing, shaming individuals engaged in premarital sex, and oversharing personal details.
As of now, Lizzo’s representatives and production company have not responded to the allegations, and Quigley has not provided a comment on the matter.
Allison’s courageous decision to speak out sheds light on the importance of creating a safe and respectful working environment in the entertainment industry and the need for accountability and support for those facing mistreatment.
The ongoing legal battle and allegations against Lizzo highlight the complexities and challenges within the industry and raise important conversations about representation, diversity, and inclusivity.