Beyoncé has thrown her support behind Lizzo as the About Damn Time singer fights accusations from three former dancers.
Fans believed she’d cut Lizzo’s name out of her Break My Soul performance earlier this month but in just four words during her most recent Renaissance world tour concert in Atlanta, the music heavyweight let her feelings be known.
Queen Bey normally name checks Lizzo, Nina Simone, her sister Solange Knowles, former Destiny’s Child bandmate Kelly Rowland and a host of other famous black women when she performs the song live.
Watch the video above.
READ MORE: Matt Damon reveals new Aussie ‘family tradition’
On Monday night, she left fans in shock when she not only sang Lizzo’s name on stage but followed with the words: “I love you Lizzo!”
Beyoncé’s comments come as Lizzo faces fresh allegations from former employees hot on the heels of a lawsuit brought about by three former dancers.
READ MORE: Sophie Monk shows off questionable football skills in support of Matildas
The bombshell lawsuit claims the former dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez were subjected to a hostile work environment and harassment while they were employed for the star – whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson.
Last week, the attorney for the plaintiffs in the original complaint against Lizzo tells CNN that “at least” six more inquiries have come in from other people with similar stories about the singer.
Ron Zambrano, the plaintiffs’ attorney and a partner and employment litigation chair at West Coast Employment Lawyers, said: “We have received at least six inquiries from other people with similar stories since we filed the complaint.”
“Noelle, Crystal and Arianna have bravely spoken out and shared their experiences, opening the door for others to feel empowered to do the same,” Zambrano said.
“Some of the claims we are reviewing involve allegations of a sexually charged environment and failure to pay employees and may be actionable, but it is too soon to say.”
The original complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court last week, also names Lizzo’s production company Big Grrrl Big Touring and a person described as “dance cast captain” as defendants.
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
The plaintiffs also claim they were subjected to racial and religious discrimination.
Lizzo responded to the allegations via a statement shared on social media, labelling the claims “false” and saying “I am not the villain”.
“These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” she began.
“My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticised.
“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 sensationalised stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”
The statement continued: “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.
Hollywood’s long ugly history with sexual harassment
“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 wrote, adding she is “not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people in the media have portrayed me to be these last few days.”
“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 criticise or terminate an employee because of their weight,” Lizzo continued.
“I am 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 and support to lift me up during this difficult time.”
– Reported with CNN.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. In an emergency, call 000.
