Lizzo’s reputation took a hit after she was faced with serious allegations in a lawsuit filed by three former dancers.
The lawsuit accuses the pop star of fostering a toxic work environment and includes claims of sexual harassment, false imprisonment, and interference with prospective economic advantage.
According to the allegations, Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, reportedly pressured a dancer to touch a nude performer at a strip club and made critical remarks about a performer’s weight gain. As news of the lawsuit spread, her social media followers started dwindling.
Within three days of the lawsuit being filed, more than 387,000 people unfollowed Lizzo on various social media platforms. Social Blade recorded a loss of over 167,000 followers on her Instagram, 20,000 on Twitter, and a staggering 200,000 on TikTok.
Amid the backlash, Lizzo decided to address the allegations publicly.
She expressed her disappointment at the situation and defended her work ethic, morals, and respectfulness. She acknowledged her openness about her sexuality but strongly denied any wrongdoings as portrayed in the lawsuit. Lizzo emphasized her commitment to women’s respect and body positivity, stating that she has experienced body shaming and would never criticize or mistreat an employee based on their weight.
As an artist, Lizzo takes her music and performances seriously, aiming to present the best art that reflects her identity and resonates with her fans. Despite the controversy, she refuses to be labeled as a victim and maintains that she is not the villain she’s being portrayed as in the media.
In addition to Lizzo, the captain of her dance team, Shirlene Quigley, has also been named as a defendant in the lawsuit. The situation continues to unfold, and the fallout from these allegations may have significant consequences for Lizzo’s career and public image.
