Lizzo is speaking out after it was revealed this week that she was being sued by three of her former backup dancers.
The musician fired back at the claims made by Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez in the lawsuit, which accused her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment, among other things.
Lizzo 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.”
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The “Juice” hitmaker continued: “These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”
Insisting she’s “always been very passionate about what I do,” Lizzo added, “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.”
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The singer insisted she doesn’t want to be “looked at as a victim”, writing: “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 continued, referencing one of the allegations suggesting Davis was told she was “less committed” to her role, with the suit stating this was a “thinly veiled” dig at her weight.
Lizzo concluded, “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.”
See more on the lawsuit in the clip below.