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Lizzo has broken her silence after bombshell allegations were made against her, blasting what she claims to be ‘false accusations’.
The singer is facing accusations of a hostile work environment and sexual harassment as seen in court documents acquired by multiple US outlets.
In a statement released on Instagram, the singer called out what she described as ‘sensationalized stories’.
‘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,’ she wrote.
‘Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.’
The musician 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.’
The 35-year-old wrote that as an artist, she has ‘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 than represents me and my fans. With passion comes hard work and high standards,’ she stated.
‘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.’
The Juice singer stressed that she does not want to be ‘looked at as a victim’, adding: ‘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,’ she said.
‘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.’
Lizzo shared that she feels ‘hurt’ by the claims that have been made against her, while expressing her gratitude for the support she has received.
‘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,’ she wrote.
This week, it emerged that Lizzo – real name Melissa Viviane Jefferson – had been accused by three dancers of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
One dancer alleged that they were pressured to touch a nude performer at a club in Amsterdam, and that Lizzo allegedly ‘called attention’ to a performer’s weight gain.
The suit, which was obtained by several US outlets, also named Lizzo’s production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc, and her dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, as defendants – but not every claim was related to all three.
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