Lizzo addresses sexual harassment allegations by former dancers, says 'last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult'

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Lizzo said Thursday that she's «not the villain» that three of her former backup dancers falsely accuse her of being in a sexual harassment lawsuit. The civil lawsuit filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court claims Lizzo pressured the dancers to engage with nude performers at a club in Amsterdam and shamed one of them for her weight gain before firing her. «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 said in a statement posted on social media. «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.» Plaintiffs Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez made numerous allegations including sexual, religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault and false imprisonment. They accuse the Grammy winner and her production company of creating a hostile work environment. The legal complaint seeks unspecified damages from Melissa Viviane Jefferson, known professionally as Lizzo, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and Shirlene Quigley, captain of the performer's dance team.

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«These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized,» Lizzo said in the statement. «Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.» She said the «sensationalized stories» were