Lizzo, the American rapper, singer, and songwriter, has finally addressed and denied all allegations made against her by three former dancers. These dancers claimed that Lizzo created a hostile work environment while performing on her Special Tour.
The three former dancers accused the Grammy Award-winning artist of fat-shaming and $exual harassment. They also claimed that Lizzo forced one dancer to touch another woman’s bre-asts and then fired that performer after she criticized Lizzo’s weight.
To address the allegations, the dancers filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday (August 1st), stating that they were exposed to a $exually charged atmosphere at their workplace. As they are seeking unspecified damages.
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The lawsuit names Lizzo, whose legal name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and Shirlene Quigley, who is the captain of Lizzo’s dance team.
“Not only do these words ring familiar as tropes used to disparage and discourage Black women from advocating for themselves, but the same accusations were not levied against dancers who are not Black,” according to the complaint cited in the statement.
Rapper Lizzo Responds and Denies Allegations
In response to the allegations, Lizzo took to her official and verified Instagram account to deny all the claims made against her.
“These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.
“These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.
“As an artist I have always been very passionate about what I do. I take my music and my performances seriously because at the end of the day I only want to put out the best art that represents me and my fans. With passion comes hard work and high standards. Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team.
“I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days. I am very open with my $exuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not. There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.
“I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time.” Lizzo wrote on social Media.
