• Affiliate Disclosure
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Stars and Style
  • Home
  • Celeb News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Movies
  • TV
  • Lifestyle
  • Music
  • Travel
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Celeb News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Movies
  • TV
  • Lifestyle
  • Music
  • Travel
No Result
View All Result
Stars and Style
No Result
View All Result

Lizzo’s statement in full as she reveals she’s ‘hurt’ by accusations from former backing dancers

August 3, 2023
in Celeb News
Reading Time: 7 mins read
Lizzo’s statement in full as she reveals she’s ‘hurt’ by accusations from former backing dancers
Photo: Instagram

Lizzo has issued a long statement in response to a slew of startling claims regarding her behind-the-scenes behaviour.

Three of the Juice singer’s former backup dancers filed a sexual harassment, discrimination, and false imprisonment complaint against the celebrity.

Melissa Jefferson, the Grammy-winning pianist, was also accused of weight-shaming and even forcing one dancer to touch another performer’s breasts.

Fans were taken aback by the shocking revelations, especially because Lizzo, 35, has been a vocal advocate for body positivity after being bullied over her weight.

Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams, two of the dancers, were hired by Lizzo after participating on her reality programme, Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, in 2021, but were both sacked. Noella Rodriguez, the third dancer, was recruited the same year but quit in 2023.

One dancer said in the case, which was filed earlier this week, that they were forced into touching a naked performer at a club in Amsterdam earlier this year, and that those who did attend felt ‘favoured’ by the singer.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

During the outing, it’s alleged that 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’, before she ‘began pressuring Ms Davis to touch the breasts of one of the nude women.’

When she declined, the Special singer is said to have led a chant and goaded her, after which a ‘visibly uncomfortable Ms Davis [engaged] with the performer.’

According to the complaint acquired by NBC News, she then reportedly pushed a member of her security team onto the platform, demanding “take it off!”

Lizzo was also accused of making weight-related remarks to Davis after their performance at the SXSW festival, and of telling the dancer that she appeared ‘less devoted’ to her part.

The documents, also seen by Variety, state: ‘In professional dance, a dancer’s weight gain is often seen as that dancer getting lazy or worse off as a performer. Lizzo’s and Ms Scott’s questions about Ms Davis’s commitment to the tour were thinly veiled concerns about Ms Davis’s weight gain, which Lizzo had previously called attention to after noticing it at the South by Southwest music festival.

‘Although Lizzo and Ms Scott never explicitly stated it, these questions accompanied by Lizzo’s statements made after the South by Southwest music festival gave Ms Davis the impression that she needed to explain her weight gain and disclose intimate personal details about her life in order to keep her job.’

According to another portion of the lawsuit, Lizzo accused the dancers of imbibing alcohol before the concerts and “not performing up to standard.”

Rodriguez allegedly told Lizzo before leaving the meeting that she felt disrespected by the action and stated her intention to leave. The artist is alleged to have reacted by ‘cracking her knuckles and balling her fists’ and using an obscenity to tell Rodriguez she was ‘fortunate,’ before uttering a slur and waving both middle fingers as the dancer walked away.

The dancers are suing for emotional anguish, unpaid salaries, lost earnings, and attorney’s fees in connection with the accusations, which include sexual, religious, and racial harassment, handicap discrimination, and false imprisonment – but no dollar number has been specified.

Lizzo has subsequently addressed the charges in a message uploaded to her Instagram page on August 3, expressing her “hurt” at the claims.

She began: ‘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.’

The musician continued: ‘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.’

Lizzo went on to explain how she is ‘passionate’ about her work as an artist and strives for ‘high standards.’ She stated how she doesn’t want to be ‘looked at as a victim’ but also ‘know[s] that [she’s] 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,’ she said.

Lizzo dancer Arianna Davis
Arianna Davis is one of the three dancers accusing Lizzo of inappropriate behaviour (Picture: Instagram)
Lizzo dancer Crystal Williams
Crystal Williams is also a complainant in the lawsuit (Picture: Instagram)
Lizzo dancer Noelle Rodriguez
Noelle Rodriguez was hired by Lizzo in 2021 but resigned this year (Picture: Instagram)

The popstar added: ‘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,’ she concluded.

Others who have worked with Lizzo have also come out with their own claims about their encounters, including an Oscar-nominated filmmaker who accused the singer of ‘gaslighting.’

Beyonce also looked to have deleted Lizzo’s name from a phrase she typically sings on her Renaissance tour, but Halo hitmaker Tina Knowles has hinted this was not the case, saying in a social media post: ‘She also didn’t utter her own sister’s name.’

Lizzo’s statement in full

‘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 than 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. 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.

‘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.’

 

Source My Celebrity Life.

Tags: EntertainmentLizzoShowbizUS Showbiz news
Previous Post

Amy Dowden cries over cancer treatment: ‘I wish this wasn’t happening to me’

Next Post

Dr Alex George unveils ‘perfectly imperfect’ body transformation after losing weight following depression

Related Posts

Abbey Clancy calls herself a ‘bit of a fridge’ in Peter Crouch sex confession
Celeb News

Abbey Clancy calls herself a ‘bit of a fridge’ in Peter Crouch sex confession

January 8, 2025
It’s your last chance to watch these major titles leaving Netflix this month
Celeb News

It’s your last chance to watch these major titles leaving Netflix this month

January 8, 2025
Mark Wright suffers heartbreaking family death weeks days after announcing baby news
Celeb News

Mark Wright suffers heartbreaking family death weeks days after announcing baby news

January 8, 2025
Kerry Katona shares update on rumours Katie Price is moving in with her
Celeb News

Kerry Katona shares update on rumours Katie Price is moving in with her

December 3, 2024
McFly star Harry Judd’s son Lockie, 3, hospitalised after ‘traumatic’ incident
Celeb News

McFly star Harry Judd’s son Lockie, 3, hospitalised after ‘traumatic’ incident

October 31, 2024
Jack Grealish welcomes baby with girlfriend Sasha Attwood and reveals adorable name
Celeb News

Jack Grealish welcomes baby with girlfriend Sasha Attwood and reveals adorable name

October 10, 2024
Next Post
Dr Alex George unveils ‘perfectly imperfect’ body transformation after losing weight following depression

Dr Alex George unveils ‘perfectly imperfect’ body transformation after losing weight following depression

Dan Walker in tears after facing his biggest fear for new TV show

Dan Walker in tears after facing his biggest fear for new TV show

No Result
View All Result

Recent Posts

  • How to Choose a Dentist: A Complete Guide for Your Oral Health
  • Abbey Clancy calls herself a ‘bit of a fridge’ in Peter Crouch sex confession
  • It’s your last chance to watch these major titles leaving Netflix this month
  • Mark Wright suffers heartbreaking family death weeks days after announcing baby news
  • Spotify’s most-streamed song of 2024 revealed with whopping 1,781,000,000 plays

Quick TAG Search

Ant and Dec BBC beauty Beauty Products Celeb News celebrity Channel 4 Dancing on Ice davide sanclimenti Disney Plus ekin-su cülcüloğlu Entertainment fashion Featured Film follow gemma owen Good Morning Britain Holly Willoughby I'm A Celebrity Iain Stirling ITV Katie Price Laura Whitmore Loose Women Lorraine Kelly Love Island love island aftersun love island fans love island news love island uk love island villa movies mycelebritylife Netflix NL Phillip Schofield Piers Morgan Shopping Showbiz Strictly Come Dancing This Morning tv US Showbiz news US TV news

Categories

  • Beauty (833)
  • Celeb News (8,062)
  • Fashion (646)
  • Featured (6,819)
  • Lifestyle (718)
  • Movies (1,365)
  • Music (291)
  • Travel (291)
  • TV (23,951)
  • Uncategorized (7)
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Email: angie@starsandstyle.co.uk

© 2023 Stars and Style - part of My i Life Media sprunki phase 23.5 sprunki retake bfdi

Cookies - We all use them
This website uses information gathering tools including cookies, and other similar technology. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information. Ad and Cookie Policy
Cookie SettingsAccept



Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
No Result
View All Result
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

© 2023 Stars and Style - part of My i Life Media

golden slots casino