Lizzo has released a statement after being accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
The singer's statement came in response to a lawsuit filed against her on Tuesday (1 August), by three of her former dancers.
In the lawsuit, the dancers accused Lizzo of calling attention to one dancer's weight gain and later firing that same dancer after she recorded a meeting because of a health condition.
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She was also accused of having pressured the dancers to touch a nude performer at a club in Amsterdam.
In response to the allegations, Lizzo, who is typically known for embracing body positivity, described the time since the lawsuit had been filed as 'gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing'.
She went on to describe the allegations made against her in the lawsuit as 'false', adding: "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 behaviour on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional," she continued.
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"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."
Lizzo's statement continued: "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.
"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.
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"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.
"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.”
As well as Lizzo herself, the lawsuit names the singer's production company and her dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, as defendants.
Emily Brown