Lizzo is speaking out amid sexual harassment and hostile work allegations aimed at the pop star from former dancers.
Lizzo posted on Instagram today,
I 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. There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lizzo’s former dancers accused the pop star and her employees of interrogating them about their weight and pressuring them to engage in sexually explicit acts at sex shows. The dancers, two of whom appear on Lizzo’s reality show, said they were subjected to a hostile work environment and dealt with sexual harassment, even claiming they were pushed to engage with nude performers.
Dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez, sued Lizzo (real name Melissa Viviane Jefferson), her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and Shirlene Quigley, captain of the singer’s dance team.
Lizzo called the past few days,
gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing…
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.
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.”
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.”
Read Lizzo’s full statement, below.
The three dancers are speaking out as well…
Watch.
(Photo, Lizzo; via THR)
