“There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world”
Singer “Lizzo” Jefferson spoke out on Thursday after being accused of sexual harassment and creating a “hostile work environment” by three former dancers.
“Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations, but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to address,” said Jefferson, known professionally as Lizzo.
“I’m not here to be seen as a victim, but I also know that I’m not the bad guy that people and the media have portrayed for the past few days,” she said.
SCARFF / AFPLizzo oils
“There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it is like to be ashamed of your body on a daily basis and I would not criticize or I would absolutely never fire an employee because of their weight,” the singer said.
Former employees – Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez – have claimed that Lizzo forced them to go to a strip club in Amsterdam, in order to “touch naked artists”.
The American singer has been a strong advocate for body positivity, but reportedly shamed Davis for gaining weight before ultimately firing her.
“The plaintiffs were appalled by the disrespect Lizzo showed for the bodily autonomy of her employees and those around her, especially in the presence of many of the people she employed,” said the civil complaint, which has was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court in the US state of California on Tuesday.
The lawsuit also accused the singer’s dance team captain, Shirlene Quigley, of forcing her Christian beliefs on employees. Other charges against her included sexual, religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination and forcible confinement.
2023-08-03 23:06:06
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