Lizzo releases statement after being sued by former dancers for alleged sexual harassment and weight shaming
Kit Roberts
Featured Image Credit: Paras Griffin / Stringer/Don Arnold / Contributor
Lizzo has released a statement after being accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment in a lawsuit.
The lawsuit filed against was filed against her on Tuesday (1 August), by three of her former dancers.
In a statement, Lizzo said: “These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly
disappointing.
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"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 behaviour on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional."
Lizzo added: "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 criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.
"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."
She continued: "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'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.”
The statement comes after the singer was accused of allegedly pressuring a dancer to touch a nude performer at a strip club.
Dancers have also alleged that Lizzo, an advocate for body-positivity, criticized a performer's weight gain and then later allegedly fired the employee for recording a meeting.
Claims in the lawsuit brought against Lizzo, whose legal name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, include sexual harassment, creation of a hostile work environment, false imprisonment, and interference with prospective economic advantage.
The captain of Lizzo’s dance team, Shirlene Quigley, is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit.