As we previously reported, two of Lizzo’s former backup dancers spoke out for the first time in an interview with TMZ to detail how they’ve allegedly been mistreated by the singer.
Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams were the first to speak and accused Lizzo of many things including coercing backup dancers to participate in nude cabaret shows. While speaking with TMZ Live, they said they felt like they had to listen to Lizzo’s demands or be fired if they didn’t participate in activities… even if it made them feel uncomfortable. While Crystal says she was accused of drinking before performances, Arianna claims Lizzo body-shamed her for gaining weight. She alleged that Lizzo also used an admission of an eating disorder to justify firing her.
The third plaintiff, Noelle Rodriguez, spoke out overnight in an interview with ABC News and detailed how the singer allegedly became aggressive after she resigned from her position this spring. “I told her why… I was like ‘I feel unsafe, I feel disrespected, and I have never experienced such treatment in the seven years that I’ve been doing this.’ And then she proceeded to prove all of those things right by balling up her fists and saying, ‘you’re so lucky, you’re so f—ing lucky,’ basically alluding to hitting me.” She went on to recall, “As she’s inching towards me, one of our fellow dance-mates and her best friend comes and pulls her back from assaulting me.”
Noel told the news outlet that during her career she has worked with other big stars like Beyoncé, Megan Thee stallion and Lady Gaga, and never felt disrespected or treated badly.
RELATED: Whoah! Lizzo Accused By Former Dancers Of Sexual Harassment And Weight-Shaming
Meanwhile, Lizzo has broken her silence on these major allegations and has denied them. She said in a lengthy statement this Thursday morning,
“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 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 went on to say, “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 ended her statement by saying,
“I’m hurt but I will not let the good work l’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.”
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“It was a very, very heartbreaking experience to go through this because we looked up to this woman…”
Former Lizzo dancers speak out about lawsuit alleging hostile work environment and harassment. pic.twitter.com/6ZcT8S9hLc
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 3, 2023