The Pop star Lizzo has issued a statement after allegations were made that accuse the pop sensation of both Sexual Harassment and creating a toxic work environment.
Lizzo is being sued by 3 of her former back up dancers however is being defended by her production company (Big GRRRL, Big Touring INC and Lead Dancer Shirlene Quigley).
It is said that all 3 former dancers worked alongside Lizzo until sometime early on this year. That was until 2 of the 3 were fired with the last resigning soon thereafter.
The alleged incident of sexual harassment took place at a strip club in Amsterdam, which Lizzo and her Dancers visited after attending a concert early February this year in the Dutch Capital. The Dancers allege that Lizzo Bullied one of the dancers in to touching a nude performer, Lizzo said to be Jeering the Dancer on to do it even though declining several times. It is then said that Lizzo turned her attention to the other dancers and encouraged / urged them to touch the other performers.
Further to the sexual harassment claims it has also been claimed that Lizzo frequently bullied the Trio. This in turn relates to comments Lizzo allegedly made about one of the Dancers weight, this in contradiction to her body positivity ethos she promotes in her brand. It is further claimed that Lizzo later berated and fired one of the Dancers for recording a meeting due to having a health condition.
Today the 3rd August Lizzo has addressed the accusations by response of a statement through her Social Media channels. This is what she had to say, "these last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, character, morals & respect for others have all been questioned and criticised. Usually I would choose not to react to False Allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to ignore. These fabricated stories are from former employees of whom have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour on tour was not acceptable and inappropriate". Lizzo went on to add "as an artist I have always been really passionate about my work, I take my music and performances seriously because at the end of the day I only want to put out the best of me that represents me and my fans. With passion comes hard work and high standards, sometimes I have to make hard decisions but its never my intentions to feel uncomfortable or not valued. I am not here to be looked at like a victim but I also know that I am not the Villain the People and the Media have portrayed me to be over the last few days. I am very open with my sexuality and in expressing myself however I can not sit back and allow people to use that openness against me to make me out as something that I am not".
The amounts for damages have not been disclosed however for updates on this story please visit NME by clicking the Link
