Popular singer and rap artist Lizzo issued a response on Thursday to a lawsuit that has been filed against her accusing her of creating a hostile work environment and sexual harassment. What is so ironic about all of this is that Lizzo, who is, shall we say, a very “robust” individual, is being accused of body-shaming backup dancers. This is a woman who has essentially created an entire platform out of being “body positive” and whined about being fat shamed so much she almost quit music.
“Along with a slew of other allegations, three former backup dancers — Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez — claim Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, pressured them to engage with nude performers at an Amsterdam club in February,” the Daily Wire stated in its latest report on the situation. “The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, takes aim at Lizzo, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and Lizzo’s dance team captain, Shirlene Quigley.”
In her comments about the lawsuit, the popular music artist described the lawsuit as being “outrageous.” Her reply to the situation was via Instagram.
“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 35-year-old musician stated in the post. “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.”
One of the accusations against the singer is for body-shaming a dancer for gaining weight, which, as noted at the beginning of the piece, goes against the brand Lizzo has created.
“The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are … absolutely demoralizing,” the plaintiffs’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, went on to explain in a statement.
“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,” Lizzo continued in her response on Instagram. “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 last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” the pop singer added. “My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized.”
You can see the full post here.
Quinn Whitney Wilson, Lizzo’s former creative director, along with dancer Courtney Hollinquest, have both offered their support to the dancers suing the singer.
“I’m not a part of the lawsuit – but this was very much my experience in my time there,” Hollinquest went on to say concerning the situation. “I very much applaud the dancers courage to bring this to light.”
“I haven’t been a part of that world for around three years, for a reason,” Wilson said in her own statement. “I very much applaud the dancers’ courage to bring this to light[,] and I grieve parts of my own experience. I’d appreciate space to understand my feelings.”
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