Lizzo has put out a statement concerning the allegations brought against her by three former dancers in a lawsuit filed on August 1. The lawsuit details a long list of allegations, including sexual harassment, false imprisonment, accusations of weight-shaming, “interference with prospective economic advantage”, and other accusations.
The suit is being brought against Lizzo, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring and her dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, by three former employees, named in the suit as Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez.
In the statement, posted by the singer on Twitter and Instagram, Lizzo refutes the claims. “The last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticised,” she wrote. “Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to be addressed.”
She went on to claim that the claims were “sensationalized” and that the former employees had admitted to acting in an “inappropriate” and “unprofessional” manner on tour.
“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,” the statement continues. “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.”
She went on to address the allegations that she weight-shamed an employee. “I know what it feels like to be body-shamed on a daily basis and would never criticise or terminate an employee because of their weight.”
Finally, she thanked everyone who has stood by her in the past few days and added “I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this”.
