Lizzo breaks silence on allegations of 'sexual harassment' and 'fat shaming' after dancers sue star
Lizzo has broken her silence on the allegations she's facing
PA
A lawsuit filed earlier this week includes accusations of religious, sexual and racial harassment against the pop star, Lizzo - real name Melissa Viviane Jefferson.
The legal case also lists discrimination, assault and false imprisonment and has been made by three dancers who used to work with the singer.
Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez are the plaintiffs who've made the allegations against Lizzo, her dance troupe captain Shirlene Quigley and her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring.
Claims in the case include Lizzo "pressuring Ms Davis to touch the breasts" of a performer as well as allegations of creating a "hostile work environment".
It's been claimed dancers were also pressured into attending sex shows between 2021 and 2023.
Other claims include allegations of being made to feel discriminated against because of size, although these weren't "explicitly" expressed.
Lizzo has hit back at the allegations, branding them "false" and insisting she is "not the villain that people have portrayed me to be".
Her full statement reads: "These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing.
Lizzo is facing legal action from three dancers
PA
"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," Lizzo said. "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," she claimed. "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.
Seemingly responding to the allegations of shaming her staff, she added: "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.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Love Island star branded an 'inspiration' after sharing incredible transformation one year after giving up booze
- Brian May launches blistering attack on 'blood-bath' England over 'catastrophically failed' farmers
- Gemma Atkinson suffers painful setback in post-birth recovery journey - 'Set my scar off!'
Lizzo is alleged to have harboured a "hostile work environment" among other allegations
PA
"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 issued the statement to her Instagram page where its since garnered thousands of "likes" and comments.
The three dancers who filed the lawsuit are being represented by lawyer Ron Zambrano.
He said in his own statement: "The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly.
"Privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralising."
You may like
