Lizzo

Jay-Z’s 2023 Made In America Festival Has Been Canceled And Some Have Begun To Speculate About The Reason

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Jay Z Shawn Carter Foundation 20th Anniversary Black Tie Gala 2023
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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.

“I think we know what happened. :/. Sadly,” chimed in another.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

Made In America Festival Canceled Less Than A Month Before It’s Scheduled Date

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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.

Read More: Lil Uzi Vert Debuts Crazy Mohawk & More Photos From Made In America 2022

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Lizzo Lawsuit: Breaking Down The Accusations

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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.

Read More: Lizzo Spoke About “Having A Rough Day” In Interview Days Before Facing Lawsuit: Watch

The Lawsuit Details

Lizzo
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:

  1. Creation of a hostile work environment characterized by sexual harassment.
  2. 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.

Read More: Grimes Praises Doja Cat And Defends Lizzo

The Impact on Lizzo’s Image

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.

Read More: Lizzo Loses Significant Number Of Instagram Followers Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

Lizzo: Her Response

Lizzo
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.”

Read More: Lizzo Update: “Special” Singer Could Face Trial Over Former Dancers’ Troubling Allegations

Next Steps

Amsterdam, Lizzo
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.

Read More: One Of Lizzo’s Accusers Praised Her In A Video Made After Alleged Abuse

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Lizzo Did An Interview Right Before Her Lawsuit News Broke And She Spoke About Having A ‘Rough Day’

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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 Spoke About “Having A Rough Day” In Interview Days Before Facing Lawsuit: Watch

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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.

Read More: Lizzo Update: “Special” Singer Could Face Trial Over Former Dancers’ Troubling Allegations

Lizzo Speaks Candidly About Her Emotions

“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.

Read More: Grimes Praises Doja Cat And Defends Lizzo

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Lizzo Update: “Special” Singer Could Face Trial Over Former Dancers’ Troubling Allegations

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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.

Read More: One Of Lizzo’s Accusers Praised Her In A Video Made After Alleged Abuse

Alleged Lizzo Victims’ Attorney Suggests Trial After Singer Responds to Lawsuit

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

“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.

Read More: Lizzo’s Best Bars About Self-Acceptance

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Tina Knowles Shuts Down Talk of Beyoncé Shading Lizzo Following Recent Controversy: ‘Y’all Should Really Stop’

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Tina Knowles Reveals Beyonce and Solange Always Celebrated Juneteenth In Houston

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.

The post Tina Knowles Shuts Down Talk of Beyoncé Shading Lizzo Following Recent Controversy: ‘Y’all Should Really Stop’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Tina Knowles Shuts Down Talk of Beyoncé Shading Lizzo Following Recent Controversy: ‘Y’all Should Really Stop’ appeared first on The Source.

Lizzo Speaks Out Amid Hostile Work Environment Allegations

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Lizzo

Lizzo, the popular singer known for her body positivity and empowering music, has broken her silence after several former employees accused her of creating a hostile work environment. Recently, multiple ex-employees alleged that they had experienced weight shaming and sexual harassment while working with the “Rumors” singer. These allegations have sparked a wave of controversy […]

The post Lizzo Speaks Out Amid Hostile Work Environment Allegations appeared first on SOHH.com.

The Dancers Suing Lizzo For Alleged Harassment Didn’t Love Her ‘Incredibly Frustrating’ Response To The Lawsuit, They Told CNN

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Lizzo and some of her former dancers have been going back and forth over the past couple days. The dancers filed a lawsuit against Lizzo, alleging sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. After they spoke about it on Today, Lizzo shared a written response in which she addressed the “false allegations” and “sensationalized stories.” Since then, the dancers — Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis, and Noelle Rodriguez — have visited CNN to offer a rebuttal (as Entertainment Weekly notes).

Davis said, “Me, personally, looking at the response from Lizzo was so disheartening because she was there. She was there, and to fix your hand, to write on a piece of paper that you discredit everything we’re saying, is incredibly frustrating.”

Rodriguez also said of Lizzo allegedly threatening physical violence against her, “The facts of that were that she actually balled up her firsts like this to me. She started cracking her knuckles, and she was like, ‘You’re so effing lucky that basically I’m not going to hit you.’ I was in shock watching her do that and cracking her knuckles and acting as if she was going to come at me.”

They also said in a joint statement through their attorney, “Lizzo has failed her own brand and has let down her fans. Her denial of this reprehensible behavior only adds to our clients’ emotional distress. The dismissive comments and utter lack of empathy are quite telling about her character and only serve to minimize the trauma she has caused the plaintiffs and other employees who have now come forward sharing their own negative experiences. While Lizzo notes it was never her intention ‘to make anyone feel uncomfortable,’ that is exactly what she did to the point of demoralizing her dancers and flagrantly violating the law.”

Lizzo is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Lizzo’s Best Bars About Self-Acceptance

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Lizzo has been a champion for body positivity and self-acceptance for a long time. The singer and rapper has risen through the ranks to become a prominent force in mainstream music. Although the haters are still present, Lizzo’s known for brushing them off, especially in her music. With her lyrics, she’s gained a slew of fans who are constantly learning to love themselves.

While she’s become a staple in the conversation of loving oneself, Lizzo has been in hot water recently. Some of her former dancers have sued the singer for workplace mistreatment, sexual harassment, and much more, shocking the singer’s fans. Lizzo addressed the allegations on social media, tagging them as “sensationalized stories.” These allegations prove quite alarming after creating a brand centered around acceptance and positivity. Nonetheless, her lyrics have soothed a host of listeners over the years. 

“Fitness” (2018)

“Booty vicious, mind yo business. I been working, working on my fitness / I been lifting heavy metal, see this ass? Ain’t no rental.”

In this 2018 anthem from the pop star, she makes it blatantly clear that her body is a temple, and she regularly takes care of it. “Fitness” is accompanied by minimal production driven by punchy 808s and a playful, repetitive melody. Lizzo confidently declares her independence and celebrates her body on the track. “Fitness” is also as sensual as it is uplifting, but the song is undeniably a big-up from Lizzo to her body. 

“Let ‘Em Say” with Caroline Smith (2014)

“I’m just as thick as my skin is. I feel the water rolling down my back.”

Released in 2014, this is one of Lizzo’s earliest tracks, and a deep cut in her discography. This pop offering features artist Caroline Smith and is one of Lizzo’s most underrated songs about body positivity. The bright, upbeat tune is a feel-good song with a catchy melody and features lyrics that encourage listeners to let go. It also urges them to live their lives and disregard the words and actions of people who try to shame them.

“Truth Hurts” (2019)

“I just took a DNA test, turns out I’m a 100% that b*tch, even when I’m crying crazy.”

“Truth Hurts” is Lizzo’s breakout single and arguably her biggest song to date. The song is equal parts a heartbreak song and also a self-love anthem. Here, she cries unashamedly as she mourns another love gone wrong but simultaneously uses those tears as ammo, firing shots at the subject of her tears. “Truth Hurts” is relatable, empowering, and has left many women feeling fearless because they are indeed 100 percent “that b*tch.”

“Everybody’s Gay” (2022)

“B*tch, say less, express yourself / B*tch, get dressed, un-stress yourself.”

This disco-pop track off her 2022 album, Special, will inspire you to get off your feet, put your hands in the air, and dance. It is also a genuinely happy song, encouraging listeners to forget their worries. In addition, it tells listeners to find their happy place and dance the night away. This is another underrated body positivity anthem from the artist, but it clearly preaches that message, of self-love and zero judgment.

“My Skin” (2015)

“I woke up in this, I woke up in this. In my skin / I can’t wash it away, so you can’t take it away from me.”

On “My Skin,” a standout track from her sophomore album, Big GRRRL Small World, Lizzo lets the world know that she wears her skin with pride and encourages everyone to do so. The song opens with a 20-second monologue from Lizzo about body positivity. Here, she speaks about self-love, after which she delivers heartfelt lyrics. The track is also accompanied by a mild production and background choral vocals. “My Skin” promotes unity and self-love, and also encourages people to embrace themselves, flaws and all.

“Juice” (2019)

“I was born like this, don’t even gotta try / I’m like Chardonnay, get better over time.”

Lizzo oozes so much confidence and body positivity on this track, it is no wonder why it’s a fan favorite. When someone opens a song with the line, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, don’t say it, ‘cause I know I’m cute,” you should know they have a staggering amount of confidence. “Juice” is an upbeat number and is also another of the star’s breakout singles. It has some of her most catchy melodies and boisterous lyrics. 

“Special” (2022)

“I’m so glad that you’re still with us / Broken, but damn, you’re still perfect.”

The titular song of Lizzo’s most recent album, Special, is a truly beautiful and heartfelt rendition from the artist. With some of her most powerful lyrics to date, this song preaches an unflinching message of self-love and appreciation for oneself. Furthermore, it’s dedicated to anyone who rarely gets to hear that they are special. Lizzo speaks directly to every person listening and reminds them that they are valid, they are valued, and that she is glad they are alive. It is a much-needed message of love that people need to hear, and although it’s not one of the biggest songs in her discography, it is certainly one of Lizzo’s most essential about self-acceptance.

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