Lizzo says 'she's not the villain' as she reacts to sexual harassment lawsuit

Singer Lizzo, who has been sued for sexual harassment and hostile work environment, issued a statement on social media on August 3.

Lizzo claimed she's not the villain the people and the media have portrayed her to be in the last few days. She said she's very open with her sexuality and expressing herself but she cannot accept or allow people to use that opennes to make her something she's not.

Lizzo said her character has been criticised and she usually chooses not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.

In her statement, Lizzo also said that 'sensationalized stories' are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.

'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,' Lizzo said.

'I am 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 and support to lift me up during this difficult time,' Lizzo added.

The plaintiffs, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, have claimed that they were coerced into touching nude performers at an Amsterdam strip club in late February.

The plaintiffs’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, said in a statement that Lizzo had sought to shame her dancers over their weight and demean them in ways that are illegal and demoralizing.

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