Lizzo has finally weighed in on the bombshell lawsuit that three of her former backup dancers filed against.
“These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” the Grammy winner, 35, said in a statement posted to social media
“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.”
Lizzo said the “sensationalized” claims came from former employees who “already publicly admitted” that their behavior while touring with her had been “inappropriate and unprofessional.”
She explained that with her “passion” comes “hard work and high standards,” admitting that she has to “make hard decisions.”
“It’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team.”
The performer said in her statement that she was not trying to appear as a “victim” but implored her fans and followers to know that she is not “the villain” that she has been portrayed as in recent days.
“There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world.”
Lizzo added that she knows 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 am hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this,” she concluded.
Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis and Noelle Rodriguez came together Tuesday to accuse Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, of creating a hostile work environment among other claims.
In February singer allegedly invited her dancers to a night of debauchery at Amsterdam’s red-light district, known for its sex theaters, sex shops, clubs and bar, per the suit.
While at Bananenbar, a club known for adult entertainment, Lizzo allegedly encouraged her dancers to “take turns touching nude performers and [eat] bananas protruding from the performers’ vaginas.”
At another time, Lizzo allegedly called out Davis’ weight gain.
Since the allegations have become public, Lizzo has faced a ton of backlash online.
Her former creative director backed the dancers’ claims, a documentary director called the flautist “arrogant, self-centered and unkind” and Beyoncé omitted Lizzo’s name from “Break My Soul (The Queens Remix)” during a tour stop in Massachusetts.
Lizzo hits back at ‘outrageous,’ ‘unbelievable’ sexual harassment lawsuit. Lizzo hits back at ‘outrageous,’ ‘unbelievable’ sexual harassment lawsuit