Lizzo has finally opened up about the very serious allegations made against her. The famed singer recently blew up in the news cycle after three of her former dancers filed a lawsuit against her, claiming sexual, religious, and racial harassment, as well as disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment.
The singer and her production company were also accused of creating a hostile work environment. Lizzo took to Instagram to deny the allegations, claiming that they are false and damaging to her reputation.
“The last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” she wrote in a post. “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,” she continued. "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 work 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."
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"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," the post continued. "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," she concluded the post.
Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez are the three dancers who filed the lawsuit on August 1 in Los Angeles. Davis and Williams were both fired from their jobs with Lizzo, and Rodriguez resigned earlier this year.
The dancers' attorney, Ron Zambrano, said that Lizzo's “denial of this reprehensible behavior” adds to his clients’ distress, in a statement to NBC News. “The dismissive comments and utter lack of empathy are quite telling about her character and only serve to minimize the trauma she has caused the plaintiffs and other employees who have now come forward sharing their own negative experiences," he said. "While Lizzo notes it was never her intention ‘to make anyone feel uncomfortable,’ that is exactly what she did to the point of demoralizing her dancers and flagrantly violating the law.”
Other former dancers of Lizzo who are not part of the lawsuit also stepped forward, agreeing with the accusations filed in the lawsuit. Her dance team captain, Shirlene Quigley, was also accused of some of the harsh conduct.
Fan comments are mixed.
"They’re mad they were fired and trying to get money," one person wrote. "Couldn’t be more obvious. You’ll be fine, gurl."
"How to give a total non apology to victims/survivors 101," commented another follower.
