Lizzo reacts to Beyoncé singing her name
Lizzo has broken her silence for the first time since bombshell claims were made against her – claiming they are “outrageous”.
This week, the performer, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, has been accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment by three of her former dancers.
She’s now taken to her Instagram page to defend herself against what she has labelled “false allegations” made by her former backup performers.
The full statement read: “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. 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 pop star continued: “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 very 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.
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“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.”
Lizzo went on to highlight she was not looking to be regarded as a “victim” and she knew “what it feels like to be body shamed” daily.
She penned: “l 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 body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.
“I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time.”
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Lizzo was accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment, according to a lawsuit filed by three of her former dancers.
The allegations made against the Juice singer, who is known for embracing body positivity and celebrating diversity, have been filed in Los Angeles Supreme Court.
According to NBC News, who were provided with the suit, Lizzo is accused of calling attention to one dancer’s weight gain and later bearting, then firing, them.
They also allege she pressured one of them to touch a nude performer at an Amsterdam club. It’s also claimed Lizzo subjected the group to an “excruciating” audition after leveling false accusations that they were drinking on the job.
NBC reports the singer allegedly “began inviting cast members to take turns touching the nude performers, catching dildos launched from the performers’ vaginas, and eating bananas protruding from the performers’ vaginas”.
Daily Express US has previously approached Lizzo’s representatives for comment.
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