Lizzo‘s name has been trending the last few days, and not exactly because of new music or a tour; the singer was accused by three of her former dancers of harassment and a hostile work environment. This news broke the hearts of thousands of her fans, and many wished it was all fake news… until several speeches assured that it is indeed quite exhausting to work alongside the Grammy winner.
Since the lawsuit became public, Lizzo chose to keep quiet, until now. The singer has sent a message clarifying the controversy that has been stirred up about her.
Lizzo Responds to Accusations Against Her
On August 1, it became public before the Los Angeles Superior Court that dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against Melissa Viviane Jefferson (real name of the soloist), her production company Big Grrl Big Touring, and her dance choreographer, Shirlene Quigley. In the lawsuit could be read offenses such as sexual harassment, damages and prejudice for emotional distress, labor exploitation, and even pressure on ideology, among others.
Lizzo broke her silence and, through her social networks, shared a long statement in which she assures that the accusations are false and clarified that she would no longer remain silent since, she believes, the arguments are “unbelievable” and “too outrageous.”
“Last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually, I choose not to respond to false accusations, but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed,” she began.
Lizzo assured that they are all “sensationalist stories” and that they would come from former employees who misbehaved on tour. Likewise, she mentioned that she always tries to make her work perfect and, therefore, there are demands, but her intention has never been to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
“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.”
“As an artist, I have always been 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 clarified.
Finally, Lizzo assured that she was not the villain of the story as has been published in recent days and took the opportunity to clarify that she would never criticize or fire someone because of their weight.
“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 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 allow the good work I have done in the world to be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time,” she ended.
Lizzo’s statement was not enough for some of the users and criticisms about alleged false statements continued. Of course, there was no shortage of fans who showed unconditional support for the singer and want everything to be cleared up soon, as these are strong and very disappointing accusations, if true.
This story was written in Spanish by Kate Nateras in Cultura Colectiva
