Lizzo finally breaks her silence on the accusations of her former dancers. The dancers accused her and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT), and her dance team’s leader Shirlene Quigley are facing sexual, religious, and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment, among other allegations. On August 3, the singer released a statement on her official Instagram responding to the claims.
Lizzo said the claims are too outrageous not to be addressed
“Truth Hurts,” singer wrote on her Instagram, “These 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.”
Moreover, the statement claims that the dancers made “false allegations” adding the reports are “unbelievable” and “too outrageous to not be addressed.”
The 35-year-old called the claims “sensationalized” and said they came from “former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”
Later on, she continues, “It’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team.”
The singer also said she didn’t want to be viewed as a “victim,” and added, “I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days.”
Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, shared that she embraced being “very open with my sexuality,” Lizzo shared, “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 singer said.
Therefore, she concluded the post by vowing, “I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this.”
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