Famous American rapper Lizzo has spoken out about the sexual assault allegations and lawsuit her former backup dancers filed. After staying quiet on the matter, she issued a statement.
Lizzo expressed being hurt by the allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment by three ex-dancers in a lawsuit earlier this week.
She called the allegations against her ‘outrageous’ and ‘shocking.’
Lizzo has firmly denied all allegations of sexual harassment:
She responded to what she calls ‘sensationalized stories’ from her former bandmates, who accused her of sexual assault and fat-shaming during the court case.
On August 3, the rapper addressed the allegations by making a post on her Instagram account, where she wrote:
“These past couple of days have been really tough and really disappointing. I have been accused of not having a good work ethic, not having good morals, and not being respectful. I have been attacked for my character.”
“I typically refrain from responding to unsubstantiated accusations. However, these allegations are sufficiently unbelievable and unacceptable that they must be addressed,” she added.
The rapper rejected the claims in the lawsuit, saying they were exaggerated stories.
She pointed out that the former employees had already admitted publicly that their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.
The famous singer stated that she sometimes has to make tough decisions in her music and performances. However, she clarified that she never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable or undervalued as a team member.
She further added, “I’m not here to play the victim here, but I know that I’m not the villain that I’ve been made out to be over the past few days.”
Lizzo said, “I’m hurt, but I won’t let it take away from all the great things I’ve done. She concluded that I’d like to thank all of you for your kind words and support during this difficult time.”
The performers claimed that Lizzo insulted and fired a dancer who criticized her recent weight gain. This is surprising because the famous rapper is known for promoting body positivity.
They also accused her of falsely accusing some dancers of drinking while working and putting them through a grueling 12-hour audition.
The lawsuit alleges that Shirlene Quigley, Lizzo’s dance captain, discriminated against those who engaged in premarital sex. Additionally, she was accused of loudly expressing her Christian faith to other dancers, simulating oral sex, and sharing explicit sexual fantasies.
Twitter
The suit also claims that Shirlene discussed a performer’s virginity. Meanwhile, Lizzo addressed these claims by stating, “As a woman, nothing is more important to me than the respect that we all deserve. I’ve been body shamed every day, and I would never criticize or fire an employee based on their weight.”
According to the legal filing, Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is accused of pressuring her dancer, Arianna Davis, into touching a nude performer at an Amsterdam strip club.
The Grammy winner also allegedly organized a humiliating 12-hour re-audition for her dancers, creating a hostile work environment.
For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn