American Singer, Lizzo, has continued to face backlash over charges of sexual harassment and body-shaming claims made by her former staff.
Recall that a few days ago, there had been an uproar amongst fans who expressed their disappointment in the singer who is known to play the victim card over her weight.
Lizzo in the past had called out several blogs and individuals over how they body-shame her.
However, in a new twist of event, the alleged victims and plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, have shared their experiences with the artiste.
They accused the Grammy winner and the Big Grrrl Big Touring and dance team captain Shirlene Quigley, of creating a ‘sexually charged and uncomfortable environment’ in their work place.
The trio revealed that while they were on a concert trip to Amsterdam in February 2023, Lizzo had invited them for a night out and things became sour from there.
An excerpt in their lawsuit said, “Things quickly got out of hand. Lizzo 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.”
They went to reveal how Lizzo had forced one of them to touch and play with one of the dancer’s nude breasts.
Following the allegations, Lizzo had released a statement a few hours ago, she wrote, “‘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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Since her lawsuit was filed in California on August 1st, 2023, she has lost over 120,000 followers on Instagram and major deals like an appearance in Beyonce’s tour.
