Lizzo Documentary Director Shares Reasons for Dropping Out of Film
Filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison shares reasons for dropping out as director of the 2019 Lizzo documentary amidst lawsuits and allegations against the singer.
Trigger Warning
On August 1, Allison shared a message on her Instagram story detailing her two-week experience working with Lizzo on her documentary before ultimately walking away.
“In 2019, I traveled a bit with Lizzo to be the director of her documentary,” Allison stated. “I walked away after about 2 weeks. I was treated with such disrespect by her.”
She continued, “I witnessed how arrogant, self-centered, and unkind she is. I was not protected and was thrown into a shitty situation with little support … I felt gaslit and was deeply hurt, but I’ve healed.”
Filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison says she dropped out as director of Lizzo’s documentary in 2019 after facing mistreatment from her:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 2, 2023
“I was treated with such disrespect by her. I witnessed how arrogant, self-centered, and unkind she is.” pic.twitter.com/jl1sA4EZ1Q
That same day, Allison shared her story shortly after three former dancers sued Lizzo, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc (BGBT), and the captain of Lizzo’s dance team, Shirlene Quigley. The dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez have filed lawsuits on several charges.
These lawsuits include alleged sexual harassment, religious harassment, racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment. You can read more about the allegations against Lizzo, BGBT, and Quigley here.
“Reading these reports made me realize how dangerous of a situation it was,” Allison stated. “This kind of abuse of power happens far too often.”
Allison ended the Instagram story by saying she sends love and support to the dancers before sharing a screenshot of the story on her Twitter. She captioned the tweet, “Sharing this because validating other Black women’s experiences is deeply important to me.”
Sharing this because validating other Black women's experiences is deeply important to me. pic.twitter.com/gd2xEK6szq
— Sophia Nahli Allison (@SophiaNAllison) August 1, 2023
Lizzo and her team have yet to comment on any of these charges or allegations.
We also send love and support to all the cast members, dancers, and employees affected. We commend the courage of everyone coming forward and using their voices to share these experiences.
