Lizzo has refuted allegations made by three former backup dancers who have filed a lawsuit against her, accusing her of physical threats, weight-shaming, and sexual harassment.
In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, Lizzo expressed her dismay at the false allegations, which she deemed sensationalized and unbelievable. She acknowledged that such accusations have been challenging for her to endure and deeply disappointing.
“My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned,” Lizzo wrote. “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.”
The lawsuit, filed by dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, claims that Lizzo created a hostile work environment and subjected them to sexual, religious, and racial harassment, as well as assault and false imprisonment.
One of the dancers, Rodriguez, alleges that Lizzo fired her on the spot and threatened violence after discovering she had recorded a meeting. The lawsuit also includes claims that Lizzo encouraged the dancers to engage in inappropriate behavior during performances.
Soon after the lawsuit was filed, documentary filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison came forward with her own allegations of being treated disrespectfully while working with Lizzo on a documentary project in 2019.
Beyoncé, who had previously supported Lizzo, seemed to distance herself from the singer following the allegations.
In her statement, Lizzo emphasized her dedication to her art and fans, and expressed that she never intended to make anyone uncomfortable or undervalue her team members. She rejected the portrayal of herself as a victim but also denied being the villain in this situation. Lizzo stated that she takes women’s respect seriously and has personally experienced body shaming, vowing never to criticize or terminate an employee based on 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 wrote. “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.”
She continued: “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.”
The dancers’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, criticized Lizzo’s denial of the allegations, stating that it only adds to the emotional distress of the plaintiffs. He accused Lizzo of failing her brand and fans and claimed that her dismissive comments and lack of empathy reflect her character and the harm caused to the dancers and other employees who have shared negative experiences.
