Lizzo Responds To Accusations Of Hostile Work Environment And Sexual Harassment

Image via Instagram, @lizzobeeating

Lizzo has responded to accusations allegedly made by three of her former dancers in a lawsuit against the singer.

The dancers have reportedly come forward with accusations of a hostile work environment, and of sexual harassment.

Lizzo released a statement today on her Instagram, addressing the claims.

 

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The Truth Hurts singer wrote that she has had a “gut wrenchingly difficult” few days, saying that she has been subject to “sensationalised stories” and that she feels the allegations are too “outrageous” not to address them.

Lizzo went on to say, “Sometimes I have to make hard decisions, but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable”, adding that she is very open with her sexuality but “cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I’m not.”

The pop star concluded her statement by saying that she won’t let “the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this”.

Some Instagram users weren’t satisfied with Lizzo’s response to the situation, with one writing; “This doesn’t address anything !!??!? It’s made it more confusing.”

 

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Another user added, “What about the accusations/reports of sexual harassment?”, while a second wrote: “Took you long enough for a subpar explanation”.

According to PopCrave, among the accusations are claims that the singer overworked her dancers and would fire team members she was “dissatisfied with”.

Other alleged claims suggest that Lizzo coerced a dancer into touching a nude woman at a strip club, made a “thinly veiled” comment about a dancer’s weight gain, and invited the group to a nude cabaret without disclosing the nature of the bar.

The New York Times reports that the lawsuit claims dancers were “exposed to an overtly sexual atmosphere that permeated their workplace,” and experienced “outings where nudity and sexuality were a focal point”.

 

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Reportedly being sued alongside Lizzo is defendant Shirlene Quigley, who is Lizzo’s dance captain. Shirlene is allegedly accused of preaching Christianity to the dancers, unwarrantedly discussing sexual fantasies with the group, and fixating on a dancer’s virginity.

Since the suit broke the news, Lizzo’s former creative director Quinn Wilson has come forward in support of the dancers who are suing the pop star. Quinn wrote on Instagram, “I haven’t been apart of that world for around three years, for a reason. I very much applaud the dancers courage to bring this to light.”

She continued, “And I grieve parts of my own experience. I’d appreciate space to understand my feelings.”

News of the suit has shocked fans of Lizzo, who is known for promoting the empowerment of women, and producing feel-good, female directed music.

I’m not one to put a celebrity on a high pedestal but seeing someone your genuinely liked and was an huge fan of, do specific things they spoke against in the past is extremely disappointing. I was not expecting that from Lizzo of all people…

— ENNY🤎 (@FinesseEness) August 1, 2023

• Allegations
• Harassment
• Lawsuit
• Lizzo
• Melissa Viviane Jefferson
• Response
• statement