Content warning: this story mentions eating disorders, sexual harassment, and racial slurs. So, by now, everyone has heard about the allegations and lawsuit against musician Lizzo. Three of Lizzo’s former dancers, (Ariana Davis Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez) have accused her and dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. And, on Aug. 3, Lizzo responded to the lawsuit, and allegations, via a statement on social media.
The allegations span all the way from being fired due to developing an eating disorder, to being fired after speaking up at a meeting and challenging Lizzo’s allegations that dancers were drinking before shows and having security confiscating their phones. Additionally, the dancers allege being pressured to touch nude dancers at an Amsterdam club and attend undisclosed nude dance shows while also being force-fed Christian beliefs with other religions being put down, as well as undergoing public disclosure of dancers’ virginity status in interviews and social media.
The lawsuit also included an instance where a dancer was fired due to budget cuts, but was the only one being let go. Allegedly, in the termination experience, Lizzo raised both her middle fingers and yelled a slur. Her Campus reached out to Lizzo’s team for comment, but did not hear back at the time of publication.
Days after the allegations went public, Lizzo came out with a statement, denying all allegations opening with, “These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing – My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned.”
She later stated, “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.”
While many fans are praising Lizzo in the comments for coming forward, other internet users have some thoughts about the statement.
Most people aren’t buying the “I’m not the villain” apology.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be Twitter without a meme, or two… or six.
Yet, some are taking the haters down.