*Lizzo has issued a lengthy statement after three of her former dancers filed a lawsuit against her for sexual harassment and creating a toxic work environment.
We reported previously that Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez are suing Lizzo and the singer’s dance captain Shirlene Quigley, claiming they were also subjected to religious harassment and disability discrimination while working with Lizzo.
In the suit, the dancers recall one incident when Lizzo allegedly pressured Davis to touch the breasts of a nude performer at an Amsterdam club, Daily Mail reports. Lizzo allegedly encouraged “catching dildos launched from the performers’ vaginas and eating bananas protruding from the performers’ vaginas,” per the lawsuit, according to Daily Mail.
As Us Weekly reports, the lawsuit describes Davis being uncomfortable participating in a nude photo shoot for Lizzo’s reality show.
“Ms. Davis broke down in tears on set while struggling to choose between a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity and putting her body on display against her will,” the lawsuit states. “This experience foreshadowed the sexually charged and uncomfortable environment Lizzo’s employees would be forced to endure.”
Lizzo shared a lengthy statement on Thursday (August 3) calling the allegations against her “false,” “unbelievable” and “too outrageous not to be addressed.”
“These last few days have gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized,” Lizzo’s message began, Us Weekly reports.
She 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. 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.”
Lizzo noted that she is “not here to be looked at as a victim” but is also “not the villain.”
“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 wrote. “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.”
READ MORE: Lizzo’s Former Creative Director Shows Support of Lawsuit Filed by Dancers
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