Lizzo Breaks Silence About 'Unbelievable' Accusations and Lawsuit From Former Dancers
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Lizzo is breaking her silence on her dancers' allegations against her.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the "Good As Hell" singer wrote, "These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned."
The artist continued, "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 not to be addressed."
She then claimed that the dancers weren't credible, noting, "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."
Lizzo defended herself in the statement, writing, "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 fans. With passion comes hard work and high standards."
The 35-year-old continued, "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."
She added, "I am not here to be looked at as the 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."
Lizzo also addressed the allegations of fat-shaming and sexually inappropriate behavior, explaining, "I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people that 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."
The Grammy-winning artist ended her statement by writing, "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 during this difficult time."
In a comment, RuPaul's Drag Race star Kahanna Montrese wrote, "As someone who has actually worked with you and your crew. I can say Lizzo has created one of the most uplifting, fun, diverse, and supportive shows I’ve ever been apart of. Every single person dancer, Stage crew, and manager was so excited to be apart of the show because it honesty starts with Lizzo. She was so encouraging to every one of her dancers and guest she had."
Montrese's comment continued, "She really made me feel so special to be apart of her team and we had so many different types of queens. From different sizes to different culture backgrounds and every one of us felt loved and supported being on tour with her. Please don’t let this define you Lizzo. I will never forget how special you made us all feel working with you."
Dancers Ariana Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, Aug. 1, against Lizzo and the singer's dance captain Shirlene Quigley, alleging a hostile work environment. The claims specifically addressed against Lizzo include being forced to touch nude performers at an Amsterdam club, as well as fat-shaming a dancer and then firing her for recording a meeting because of a health condition.
After the news of the lawsuit, documentarian Sophia Nahli Allison alleged that she was originally hired to direct the singer's documentary Love, Lizzo but dropped out because of the unfair working conditions.
In an Instagram Story shared Aug. 1, she wrote, "I walked away after about 2 weeks. I was treated with such disrespect by her. I witnessed how arrogant, self-centered, and unkind she is. I was not protected and was thrown into a shitty situation with little support. My spirit said to run as fast as you f---ing can and I'm so grateful I trusted my gut. I felt gaslit and was deeply hurt, but I've healed."
