Lizzo addresses sexual harassment lawsuit: “These were people I gave opportunities to”

Lizzo has publicly addressed the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by three former dancers during her first in-depth interview since the allegations emerged. Speaking on Thursday’s episode of the Baby, This is Keke Palmer podcast, the Grammy-winning singer shared her perspective on the lawsuit, which she says blindsided her last summer.

“2023 was an amazing year for me,” Lizzo, 36, recalled. “It was a career-high... and then the tour ended, and three ex-dancers just completely, like, blindsided me with a lawsuit.”

The complaint, filed in August 2023, accuses Lizzo and her Big Grrrl Big Touring company of creating a hostile work environment, including allegations of sexual harassment, racial discrimination, and weight-shaming. The lawsuit claims the dancers were pressured to engage with nude performers and partake in inappropriate activities at a nightclub, accusations Lizzo vehemently denies.

“Let’s be clear, I did nothing wrong,” Lizzo stated. “I was very deeply hurt because these were people that I gave opportunities to. But these allegations? They’re silly and ridiculous.”

Lizzo insisted that outings with her team were never mandatory and expressed frustration over what she sees as false narratives spun by the media. She emphasized that the accusations of sexual harassment “upset [her] the most.”

Meanwhile, the dancers’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, pushed back against Lizzo’s comments, stating, “There is a power dynamic in the boss-employee context that Lizzo utterly fails to appreciate.” He vowed to take the case to trial and present the allegations before a jury.

While one lawsuit has been dismissed, Lizzo continues to fight the claims, with an insider saying she is determined to see all cases thrown out, refusing to settle.