SHE set the standard for what it meant to love your body. Whether you were plus-size, size zero or somewhere in-between, she made it clear: women should feel “good as hell” about themselves.
And Lizzo practised what she preached, proudly wearing garments that glittered and clung and celebrated her size 18 frame.
“I think I have a really hot body,” she said. “What I’m doing is stepping into my confidence and my power to create my own beauty standard, and one day that will just be the standard.”
Which is why what’s happened is so shocking. Lizzo, the queen of positivity the world over, has been accused by three of her former dancers of being a bully and a body-shamer and fostering an environment where sexual, racial and religious discrimination is rife.
As the scandal swirled more women spoke out in defence of the dancers and the 35-year-old rapper finally broke her silence. “These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” she said.
“These sensationalised stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted they were told their behaviour on tour was in appropriate and unprofessional.”
But dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez are sticking to their guns. They’ve filed a lawsuit against Lizzo, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring (BGBT) and Shirlene Quigley, the captain of her dance team.
They’re suing for damages for, among other things, unpaid wages, loss of earnings, emotional distress and medical expenses.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William