Lizzo Responds to Sexual Abuse Allegations Made By Former Dancers

International artist Lizzo took to her Instagram page to share a response to the sexual abuse allegations against her which were made public earlier this week.

In a lengthy statement, Lizzo, real name Melissa Viviane Jefferson responded to the various allegations of sexual abuse made against her by former employees. These former employees, including dancers, filed a lawsuit against the artist on grounds of sexual harassment and hostile working conditions, a story that went viral earlier this week. The alleged abuse was committed on multiple occasions on Lizzo’s tour, most notably at a strip club in Amsterdam in which Lizzo allegedly, “began inviting cast members to take turns touching the nude performers,” among other graphic acts.

In response to these claims, the body-positive artist wrote, “These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelming disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to be addressed.”

She continued, “These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”

The next image in the post said, “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. 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.”

The following image continues, “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 for 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.”

The final image concludes her statement. She wrote, “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.”

In her statement, Lizzo stands firm that the body shaming and sexual harassment claims are false stories simply being sensationalized by the plaintiffs and media. A quick scan of the comments reveals that fans now have more questions than answers about Lizzo’s behavior. One person commented, Saying “I’m open with my sexuality” is an odd way to deny sexual harassment claims…”

Another user said, “This ain’t it. You’re coming across as defensive, and your wording absolutely makes you seem like you’re trying to play victim. It also seems like you’re somehow trying to justify your tyrannical behavior by saying that you have “high expectations”. Do better.” Lizzo has not posted on her Instagram since then.