LIZZO IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Former dancers have accused the singer and body positivity queen of fat-shaming, bullying and sexual harassment

- SIPHOKAZI ZAMA

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.