Lizzo Is Denying All Sexual Harassment And Weight-Shaming Allegations From Former Backup Dancers Lawsuit “I Am Not The Villain”

Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Lizzo News

On August 1st, three former backup dancers filed a lawsuit against, singer and rapper, Lizzo accusing her of sexual harassment and weight shaming. The complaint says that Lizzo, her production company (Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc.) and “dance cast captain” subjected the plaintiffs to a hostile work environment and sexual harassment during their employment.

Now, Lizzo has responded to the news of these allegations. She took to her Instagram, saying the days since the filing “have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing” and that the allegations are “as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed”.

Lizzo’s platform is built on body positivity and empowerment, these allegations completely contradict that. For more context, one plaintiff said that Lizzo pressured them to “take turns touching the nude performers” in a club. Another said that she felt pressured to “explain her weight gain and disclose intimate personal details about her life in order to keep her job” after Lizzo “questioned her commitment to the dance team”.

In her response, Lizzo said that the plaintiffs “have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional — 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 finished by saying, “I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people in the media have portrayed me to be these last few days . I am hurt, but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this.”

Looks like Lizzo’s not going down without a fight. Do you think she can come back from these allegations?

Published by HOLR Magazine