Lizzo has responded to a series of shocking allegations made against her by three of her former dancers in a lawsuit filed this week.
The singer is accused of religious, racial and sexual harassment, assault and false imprisonment, and disability discrimination, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday.
After a few days of silence, Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, shared a statement on social media, saying “I am not the villain”. (Statement in full below)
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“These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” she began.
“My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticised.
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“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 sensationalised stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”
The singer goes on to say she has high standards not only for herself but her whole team as she only wants to “put out the best art that represents me and my fans”.
The performer adds: “It’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team.”
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Lizzo’s former dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez are bringing the case against the singer, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. and dance captain Shirlene Quigley.
One accusation from Davis, Williams and Rodriguez’s lawsuit is that they allegedly were pressured, claiming they were in fear of losing their jobs, to touch dancers who were naked in Amsterdam’s Red Light District during a live sex show at club called Bananenbar.
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In her statement on Thursday, Lizzo responded to allegations she called attention to Davis’ weight gain.
“I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticise or terminate and employee because of their weight,” Lizzo wrote.
The singer concluded her post vowing to clear her name and focus on her music.
“I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this.”
Lizzo’s statement in full
“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 criticised. 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 sensationalised stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour 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 sexuality 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 criticise 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.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. In an emergency, call 000.
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