By Natalia Rueda 
Pop star and body positivity advocate Lizzo is denying allegations of sexual and labor harassment raised by three of her former dancers.
Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against her, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and Shirlene Quigley on August 1 in Los Angeles. The women allege that Lizzo and her production company subjected them to sexual, religious, and racial harassment, in addition to disability discrimination and unlawful detainment.
The dancers’ suit includes accusations that Lizzo pressured them to interact with naked people at a show in Amsterdam’s red light district and that their leader, Quigley, often made sexual comments and proselytized her Christian beliefs. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that managers at Lizzo’s production company often accused black members of the dance team of being “lazy, unprofessional and having a bad attitude.”
In response to the lawsuit, Lizzo took to Instagram to deny the claims
“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. 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 sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”
“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.”
“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 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.”
“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.”
The singer and her team have yet to issue an official response to the lawsuit, which is currently pending in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
With information from AP