Lizzo is speaking out for the first time since being sued by three of her former backup dancers who claim she sexually harassed them.
The singer posted a statement Thursday, just days after she was sued. The singer says, “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.”
She continues, “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.”
She went on, “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.”
She adds, “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.”
She concludes her statement, “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 time.”
As we reported … three of Lizzo’s former backup dancers — Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez — claim she subjected them to nude entertainment shows in Amsterdam and Paris on tour earlier this year, to what they say was the clear discomfort of her employees.
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In the docs, the women say Lizzo pressured dancers to interact with sex performers at Bananenbar in Amsterdam, where patrons are known to eat bananas out of the performer’s vaginas.
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Two of Lizzo’s accusers, Davis and Williams, joined us on “TMZ Live” Wednesday and told us what their experiences were working for Lizzo … alleging all of her dancers operate in fear of losing their jobs if they don’t bend to her demands and get rewarded for playing ball.
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Beyoncé seemingly caught wind of the lawsuit too … Bey noticeably failed to mention Lizzo by name in the lyrics for one of her songs during a concert in Boston as part of her “Renaissance” tour.
We covered the story on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.