Star calls sexual harassment allegations false and ‘too outrageous to not be addressed’

Pop singer Lizzo has hit back at “false” allegations from three former dancers of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

The US star, 35, added that last few days have been “gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing” after it was announced she was being sued by the dancers.

The civil lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday by Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez.

“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,” she said in an Instagram post.

“My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticised. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed,” she said.

“These sensationalised stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour 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 than 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.”

She added: “Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.”

The dancers are seeking damages from the music star, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc (BGBT), and the captain of her dance team, Shirlene Quigley, according to the court documents.

In the lawsuit, the dancers allege that after performing a concert in Amsterdam, Lizzo and her crew attended a sexually themed show at a club in the city’s Red Light District where “Lizzo began inviting cast members to take turns touching the nude performers”.

During the show, the “About Damn Time” singer is said to have led a chant pressuring Ms Davis to touch the breasts of one of the nude women performing at the club, the filing states.

Lizzo, who champions body positivity, is also accused of calling out Ms Davis for her weight gain after accusing the dancer of not being committed to her role.

Ms Davis alleges she was questioned about whether she was “struggling with something as she seemed less committed to her role on the dance cast”, according to the court document.

She was fired in May after recording a meeting during which Lizzo had allegedly given out notes to dancers about their performances, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit also stated that Ms Davis was pressured to participate in a nude photo shoot to stay in a dance competition despite her discomfort. She claimed she feared losing her job if she did not comply with Lizzo’s requests.

(This story is being updated)