It was only a matter of time before podcaster Joe Budden joined in on the discourse surrounding Lizzo’s sexual harassment and hostile workplace lawsuit. As you’ve likely heard, the body-positive artist is facing serious backlash for allegedly pressuring past employees into sexual acts at an Amsterdam strip club, firing them due to weight gain, and acting aggressively toward them, among other things. In a recent statement, the Detroit native shut down most of the gossip. Still, some were left dissatisfied with her response.
On Friday (August 11), Joe Budden TV‘s YouTube lit up with a new video discussing current events. Of course, Lizzo’s troubling case was at the top of the list. “I witnessed how arrogant, self-centred, and unkind she is,” the host read out loud when sharing the story of a director who previously worked with the “Truth Hurts” hitmaker. “Well, that’s celebrities,” Budden said with a laugh as his co-hosts agreed. “When I was reading all of this s**t, it sounded like regular music industry s**t to me. Maybe that’s not a good thing, I don’t know,” another voice in the room pointed out.
Joe Budden and Co-Hosts Speak on Lizzo Allegations
“It felt like the accusations were coming from people who expected Disneyworld and got like regular, hip-hop music industry s**t,” they added. Others shared that the banana sex club escapades are what left them feeling unsure of which side to take. “It sounds like there was peer pressure involved,” someone suggested. Another added that the dancers also likely feared that they would lose their jobs if they decided to say no to Lizzo’s Amsterdam antics. Ultimately, Budden feels that the issue lies in the fact that the women worked together, and being in an NSFW environment with her employees put the embattled entertainer in a position of power over them.
Lizzo fans who don’t want to believe the allegations could be true have been anxiously awaiting more updates. Unfortunately, they came in the form of more past employees sharing their own negative experiences working with the Special singer. Read what others have been saying about Lizzo at the link below. Make sure to check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
After disgraced singer Lizzo has been accused of sexual harassment by three of her former dancers, attorneys for those dancers are reviewing complaints from six other employees “with similar stories”, according to a report from PageSix.
Also, attorney Ron Zambran says that he has also spoken to dancers who appeared on her hit reality show “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.” According to Zambrano, the three dancers who have already sued Lizzo, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez, says that they “have bravely spoken out and shared their experiences, opening the door for others to feel empowered to do the same.”
With the new allegations based on sexual harassment and not getting paid, Zambrano says, “Some of the claims we are reviewing may be actionable, but it is too soon to say.”
TheSource.com will update this story as more details develop.
The allegations against Lizzo continue to grow as more complaints about her work environment come to light. Lawyers representing the former backup dancers for the “Truth Hurts” singer are currently reviewing complaints from at least six other individuals who have experienced what they describe as a “toxic” work environment. The conduct by Lizzo, according to […]
The summer music festival season is typically complete without Made In America. Unfortunately, this year the Philadelphia area will have to find a way to manage as the coveted multiday event has been canceled. The festival was set to occur across Labor Day weekend (September 2 and 3) with headliners Lizzo, SZA, Latto, and more.
The organizer took to the festival’s official Instagram page to break the news in a statement that reads, “Due to severe circumstances outside of production control, the 2023 Made In America festival will no longer occur. This decision has been difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation. Made in America has a legacy of delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concertgoers, and it is our commitment to always deliver a top-tier festival experience.”
Despite the lengthy statement, users online have begun to speculate about their perceived reasoning behind the call. “We already know about the circumstances in question,” wrote one user, subtly referencing Lizzo’s hostile workplace environment lawsuit.
we already know about the circumstances in question
Award-winning Philadelphia-based journalist Ernest Owens was much more direct with his thoughts, writing, “I’m willing to bet that the Made In America cancellation is probably connected to Lizzo. She was their headline draw this year.”
I’m willing to bet that the Made In America cancellation is probably connected to Lizzo.
Others began to call for the festival to continue with Lizzo. “Why couldn’t they just get rid of Lizzo? Because we all know what the circumstances are… replace her if they really have to but keep SZA,” wrote a user.
Why couldn’t they just get rid of lizzo?? Bc we all know what the circumstances are… replace her if they rlly have to but keep sza
— Special Ed Is Enchanted & Can See You (@BussyBoy27) August 8, 2023
Another echoed the sentiment: “They should have replaced Lizzo and moved full steam ahead. So many people depend on that festival for a large amount of their income for the year because of the timing and where it is positioned.”
They should have replaced Lizzo and moved full steam ahead. So many people depend on that festival for a large amount of their income for the year because of the timing and where it is positioned.
Organizers of the festival have not paid the speculation any attention. Instead, in their note, they promised to return next year bigger than ever. “We look forward to returning to Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the great city of Philadelphia in 2024,” read the note.
The organizer did, however, confirm that refunds would be issued to all ticket holders.
Lizzo is a arner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Philadelphia’s “Made In America” festival has announced that the 2023 rendition is officially canceled. The festival was set to take place on September 2nd and 3rd and planning was well underway for the festival. Artists like Ice Spice, Miguel, and Metro Boomin were scheduled to perform at the festival. Mase and Cam’Ron were also scheduled to do a special performance in honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. The festival was set to be headlined by SZA and Lizzo who are notoriously good friends and seemed excited for the opportunity to perform on social media.
According to Pitchfork, the festival also released a statement confirming the cancelation. “Due to severe circumstances outside of production control, the 2023 Made In America festival will no longer be taking place. This decision has been difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation.” While they don’t give any more explanation as to what caused the cancelation, they clearly plan on returning in the future. Their statement continues, “Made in America has a legacy of delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concert goers, and it is our commitment to always deliver a top-tier festival experience. We look forward to returning to Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the great city of Philadelphia in 2024.”
“Severe Circumstances” Shuts Down Made In America
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 03: A view of the festival entrance during 2022 Made In America at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 03, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Roc Nation )
The cancelation comes amid a series of issues for one of the festival’s headliners. Pop music fans were shocked by the news that Lizzo was being sued by former dancers for creating a hostile work environment. The lawsuit also included another of her collaborators who is accused of sexual misconduct.
The singer’s response to the allegations received even more backlash from the victims and her followers. Additionally, she hasn’t yet commented on the cancelation of Made In America Festival. What do you think of Made In America being forced to cancel its 2023 festival? Let us know in the comment section below.
Lizzo, the pop sensation known for her catchy tracks and positive messages, now finds herself at the center of a storm. A recent lawsuit filed against her has raised eyebrows and questions about the environment she fosters for her team, and we’ll be looking at exactly what she has been accused of and how she has reacted.
Three of Lizzo’s former dancers have come forward with accusations of sexual harassment (via BBC). But the allegations don’t stop with Lizzo alone. Her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., and her dance team captain, Shirlene Quigley, are also named in the lawsuit. The dancers claim that Lizzo pressured them into unwanted sexual situations, made inappropriate comments about a dancer’s weight, and subjected them to intense rehearsals.
Lizzo poses during Reel To Reel: LOVE, LIZZO at The GRAMMY Museum on December 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sarah Morris/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court (confirmed by APNews), outlines nine areas of misconduct related to the dancers’ experiences during Lizzo’s Special Tour. These allegations vary in nature and target. Some are directed at all three defendants – Lizzo, Quigley, and Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., while others are specific to individual defendants or plaintiffs.
Two key allegations made against all three defendants are:
Creation of a hostile work environment characterized by sexual harassment.
Failure to prevent or address both sexual and religious harassment in the workplace.
The dancers allege that their job security was constantly under threat. They felt compelled to comply with uncomfortable requests, some of which were sexual in nature. For instance, they claim Lizzo pressured them to attend a performance with nude dancers in Amsterdam. Further, religious harassment also features in the lawsuit. Quigley, Lizzo’s dance team captain, is accused of frequently discussing her Christian beliefs and chastising those who didn’t share them. The suit claims that one dancer’s virginity became a topic of discussion without her consent and that the dancers felt pressured to join group Christian prayers, irrespective of their personal beliefs.
Lizzo has built a reputation as a body positivity and inclusivity champion, especially for plus-size women of Color. She has been vocal about the challenges plus-size women face in society and has even launched a size-inclusive shapewear line, Yitty. Additionally, she produced a reality show, Watch Out for The Big Grrrls, aiming to spotlight plus-size dancers. Ironically, two of the plaintiffs, Arianna Davis and Crystal Williams, were part of this show. If proven true, the allegations could tarnish Lizzo’s image and the positive message she promotes. They also shed light on the potential lack of oversight and accountability in the music industry.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 23: Lizzo performs at Qudos Bank Arena on July 23, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)
As of now, Lizzo has denied the allegations. The singer took to Instagram to post a lengthy response, which featured the following (via Vanity Fair):
“These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” the Grammy-winning performer wrote. “My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually, I chose not to respond to false allegations. But, these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed… The sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”
According to the suit, Arianna Davis was fired for filming a meeting in which Lizzo provided notes to the dancers, which Davis says she wanted to review later. Lizzo added that she doesn’t want to be “looked at as a victim, but also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days. I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself. But, I can not accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not.”
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 13: Lizzo speaks during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Austin Convention Center on March 13, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Saucedo/Getty Images for SXSW)
The next steps she plans to take remain unclear. However, the gravity of the lawsuit cannot be understated. It draws attention to the blurred lines between personal and professional boundaries in the entertainment industry. The lawsuit against Lizzo is a stark reminder of the challenges and pitfalls artists and their teams can face. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to see how Lizzo and her team address the allegations. On top of that, also what changes, if any, are implemented to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved.
August started off on a sour note for Lizzo, when she was accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment by three of her former dancers in a lawsuit. Shortly before that news broke, though, Lizzo sat down for an interview with 60 Minutes Australia. During the conversation (which aired over the weekend), she indicated that something going on in her life had her feeling down.
She said, “Even today, I was having a rough day. I was sad and stuff earlier today. And I still feel like, for some odd reason, even if I’m having a bad day or if I’m going through something, people still get good from it. Maybe I’m, like, transmuting it, or maybe I’m an alchemist, you know?”
The 13-minute segment was seemingly intended to be a laudatory, lighthearted profile before the lawsuit news broke, and it is mostly that aside from some presumably last-minute re-framing to include mention of the lawsuit. The story makes note of Lizzo’s response to the lawsuit, which said in part, “These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed. These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”
Watch the profile above.
Lizzo is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Lizzo is most often in the news for topics surrounding body positivity, but a lawsuit that hit the news cycle last week alleged that the Detroit native’s attitude is anything but accepting behind closed doors. Three of her dancers are taking legal action against their former boss, claiming that she fired one of them after commenting on their weight gain, pressured them into touching nude dancers at an Amsterdam strip club, and acted out in aggression toward her team. The internet has been divided on the discourse, as well as the “Truth Hurts” hitmaker’s response to the gossip, but an attorney recently hinted that we could see Lizzo in court over the accusations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
In another update on the investigation, DailyMail reports that the plus-sized ambassador spoke about having a “rough day” during a 60 Minutes interview just days before word of her dancer’s claims went public. At the time, Lizzo was in the midst of touring through Australia, No one on the show’s production team was aware of the allegations against her during filming. “Even today, I was having a rough day, I was sad and stuff earlier today,” she vented to host Tom Steinfort.
“And I still feel like, for some odd reason, even if I’m having a bad day or if I’m going through something, people still get good from it,” Lizzo later added. It’s unclear if the things affecting the Yitty CEO’s mood at the time were related to her dancers, or if she had other things taking up space in her mind.
Lizzo may be losing thousands of Instagram followers amid the allegations about her coming to light, but at least one person is still definitely in her corner. Canadian popstar Grimes shared her thoughts on the ongoing drama with the “Special” singer, as well as what people have been saying about Doja Cat this weekend. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
As much as we would like to believe that the accusations about Lizzo earlier this week aren’t true, the Detroit native’s former dancers continue to stand their ground. On Tuesday (August 1), they filed a lawsuit against the multi-talent and others on her team, explicitly accusing them of creating a hostile work environment, among other things. One of the plaintiffs accused Lizzo – a plus-sized woman known for empowering others to love the skin they’re in – of fat-shaming her before eventually firing her for weight-related causes. Elsewhere, the dancers allege that the Yitty CEO pressured them to break their boundaries during a trip to a wild Amsterdam strip club.
As the gossip has been making rounds online this week, Lizzo responded via Instagram on Thursday (August 3). Many, including her past employees, were unsatisfied with the message, notably calling the 35-year-old out for seemingly glazing over the allegations of sexual harassment in favour of only addressing weight shaming. An attorney for her former dancers, Neama Rahmani, has now entered the chat and suggests we may see Lizzo in court over the situation.
“Given Lizzo is denying that any of this happened, let’s take it to trial,” the West Coast Employment Lawyers president declared this week. “More witnesses are coming forward every day corroborating the plaintiffs’ allegations, so we’re looking forward to facing Lizzo and her team in court,” they added. While there are others who have shared their own unpleasant experiences working with the “Truth Hurts” hitmaker, internet sleuths have also uncovered videos of the same past employees who are currently taking legal action previously praising their boss for inspiring them with her work.
Part of what’s left the world so confused about the troubling allegations about Lizzo is her frequent messages about body positivity and self-acceptance in her music. Check out our recent report on some of her most noteworthy lyrics at the link below, and tap back in later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Beyoncé didn’t intentionally omit Lizzo during her Renaissance World Tour show in Boston, according to Ms. Tina Knowles.
Fans at the Renaissance World Tour in Boston pointed out that Beyoncé skipped over Lizzo’s name during her “Queens Remix” performance of “Break My Soul.” The segment normally lists the iconic women throughout music history. During that performance, Beyoncé repeated Erykah Badu‘s last name instead.
This follows a scathing lawsuit that accused Lizzo of multiple forms of harassment and discrimination. You can read more on that here.
Hitting the Jasmine Brand comments, Tina Knowles notes Beyoncé didn’t sing her own sister’s name either.
Fans also pointed out Beyoncé using Badu could also be the acknowledgment of the Neo Soul legend shading her over her tour wardrobe choices. You can read more on that here.
(@dachshundwizard) 
