Lizzo is speaking out after being sued by three of her former backup dancers that claim they were sexually harassed and weight-shamed on tour earlier this year.
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The dancers —Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez — claim Lizzo pressured them to interact with sex performers in Amsterdam. Despite discomfort, the three gave in due to fear of losing their jobs. Additionally, Lizzo and her company were said to have created a hostile work environment that included religious and racial discrimination.
According to Lizzo, the claims are “as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.”
“My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized” she said in her first statement addressing the claims. “Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed."
She continued, "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."
The 35-year-old went on to say, “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. 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 adds, "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 statement is concluded as she writes, "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 time."
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