Lizzo’s ex backup dancers are addressing her response to their lawsuit.
The three dancers who filed a lawsuit against the 35-year-old GRAMMY winner have spoken up about what she said regarding their allegations.
On Thursday, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez spoke with ET about Rizzo’s statement. Crystal said:
“I think for me, it’s just very interesting to be so open and genuine about the trauma that we experienced and to be open about the hurt that she caused us, for her to [respond back by] essentially gaslighting us.
She never acknowledged any of the claims [directly] that we have brought forward to the table. And so for it to be met with that, it just kind of solidifies the pattern that every time we bring up an issue, every time we advocate for ourselves, every time we speak up for ourselves, we’re met with retaliation instead of ‘OK, you experienced this. As an artist and what I represent, I don’t want you to feel like I don’t care about you. I don’t want you to feel like I don’t want to include you. I don’t want you to feel like I’m body-shaming you. If this is what you’re feeling, I might completely disagree with you but I can at least try to hear you out to see how we can go moving forward.’”
She went on to say:
“But we weren’t met with that. We were constantly being gaslit, and she’s constantly deflecting. So it just further proves our point and solidifies the claims that we’re making.”
Court documents filed show that the trio alleged they faced sexual harassment, religious and racial harassment, assault and false imprisonment, disability discrimination, among others.
Lizzo called the claims “sensationalized” and “outrageous” in her statement:
“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.
It’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team.”
She declared:
“I know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days.”
