The Daily Scoop: Lizzo fans unimpressed with statement over fat shaming, sexual harassment allegations

Shot of performers on stage with lights in the background.Other Night Images:

Lizzo responded to accusations alleging that she body-shamed her former dancers and fostered a sexually hostile work environment. The claims were made in a lawsuit filed by the dancers against her, her touring company and a dance captain, CNN reported. One of the plaintiffs said that Lizzo persuaded her to touch a nude performer while at a club in Amsterdam’s Red Light District during a tour. A secondary plaintiff felt forced to explain why she gained weight and share other personal details to keep her position.

Lizzo stated on Instagram Thursday that while she’s sexually open, the “sensationalized stories” came from disgruntled former employees who were told about their “unprofessional” behavior on tour.

She also said she’s been body-shamed and would 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,” she said.

Plaintiff Arianna Davis said there’s nothing sensationalized about their statements and she hopes people focus on the facts.

“What we witnessed is absolutely what happened,” Davis said.

Why it matters: The accusations cut to the core of Lizzo’s personal brand. She and her music stand for body positivity, especially for plus-size women, and female empowerment. The specific nature of the allegations means this could be especially damaging for the singer who has built a loyal fanbase who love her for her size inclusivity.

Her statement wasn’t a hit with all her fans, either. Billboard reported that her Instagram account lost 154,800 followers the same day.

Some fans said in the Instagram comments that her statement was “written by PR” and lacked authenticity. Another claimed the post said “something but nothing at the same time.”

Other fans on Twitter said her statement was too long and didn’t bother to read it.

Whether or not these are the statements of disgruntled former employees or real accounts of gross workplace misconduct, there has been reputational damage done. Lizzo will have to find ways to rebuild trust and show that she doesn’t just sing her words, she lives them — and ensures her employees do too.

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Sherri Kolade is a writer at Ragan Communications. When she is not with her family, she enjoys watching Alfred Hitchcock-style films, reading and building an authentically curated life that includes more than occasionally finding something deliciously fried. Follow her on LinkedIn. Have a great PR story idea? Email her at sherrik@ragan.com.