Former Dancers Slam Lizzo’s ‘Dismissive Comments’ and ‘Lack of Empathy’
By Kristin Myers on August 3, 2023 at 2:30 PM EDT
It seems that Lizzo might have only added fuel to the fire with a statement posted to Instagram on Thursday morning.
Three of her former backup dancers made troubling allegations about weight shaming and claims that she forced them to perform inappropriate acts that made them uncomfortable at an adult entertainment facility in Amsterdam.
After Lizzo called the accusations against her "unbelievable" and "sensationalized," her former backup dancers fired back, claiming that the "Truth Hurts" singer has a "lack of empathy" for their situation.
Former Backup Dancers Suing Lizzo Say Her ‘Lack of Empathy’ Is Adding To Their ‘Emotional Distress’
The three backup dancers who are suing Lizzo – Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez – are speaking out on Thursday following Lizzo’s statement earlier that morning. Although Lizzo called the accusations of sexual harassment “gut wrenching,” the dancers slammed her “lack of empathy” regarding the incident.
“Lizzo has failed her own brand and has let down her fans,” Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez said in a statement to Page Six through their attorney Ron Zambrano. “Her denial of this reprehensible behavior only adds to our clients' emotional distress.”
They went on to say that the Grammy winner’s “dismissive comments” about their situation showed her “utter lack of empathy” and were “quite telling of her character.” They went on to say that they “only serve to minimize the trauma she has caused the plaintiffs and other employees who have now come forward sharing their own negative experiences.”
“While Lizzo notes it was never her intention ‘to make anyone feel uncomfortable,’ that is exactly what she did to the point of demoralizing her dancers and flagrantly violating the law,” they concluded.
Lizzo Feels Forced To Respond To Allegations 'Too Outrageous Not To Be Addressed'
On Thursday morning, the 35-year-old singer said that the last few days "have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” adding that her "work ethic, morals and respectfulness has all been questioned." 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.”
"These are sensationalized stories from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional," she continued, saying that she is passionate about her work and has "high standards" for herself and her performers.
“Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team,” she wrote, adding, “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."
Lizzo went on to say, “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. 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," she continued, adding, "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 left the comments section on, leading fans to take sides. One user who seemed to firmly support Lizzy was Kahanna Montrese, who might be familiar to fans of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Kahanna supported Lizzo in the comments, writing, “As someone who has actually worked with you and your crew. I can say Lizzo has created one of the most uplifting, fun, diverse, and supportive shows I’ve ever been a part of.”
“Every single person dancer, Stage crew, and manager was so excited to be a part of the show because it honesty starts with Lizzo. She was so encouraging to every one of her dancers and guests she had,” Kahanna continued. “She really made me feel so special to be a part of her team and we had so many different types of queens. From different sizes to different culture backgrounds and every one of us felt loved and supported being on tour with her. Please don’t let this define you Lizzo. I will never forget how special you made us all feel working with you.”
