The three dancers suing have shared their ‘disappointment’ over the star’s statement, in which she dismissed their claims.
filed a lawsuit against the About Damn Time singer, 35, accusing her of , discrimination and creating a hostile work environment.
She one to touch a nude performer’s breasts during an outing to a club, and weight-shamed another.
In response, the musician, real name Melissa Jefferson, , explaining that she was ‘hurt’ by the allegations made against her.
Speaking out over the statement in an interview with , Williams – who was hired by the Grammy-winner after competing in her program, Watch Out for the Big Grrrls – said that her words were ‘disheartening’ to read.
‘Initially for me it just further deepened my disappointment in regards to how I was feeling and how I was treated,’ she said, via the outlet. ‘I think the overall theme in all this is that our experiences were our experiences and our traumas were our traumas. In bringing that forward, it feels like it was disregarded completely. It feels like we were made out to be putting out false allegations when that’s not the case.
‘So yes, it was very disheartening to read and feel overlooked especially when she stands for what she stands for in regards to women’s empowerment – being an advocate for mental health – being an advocate for body positivity – and to just further prove that that’s not the case, because nothing was acknowledged in that statement.’
Rodriguez, who was hired by Jefferson in 2021 but resigned this year, agreed, continuing: ‘It’s shocking to read a statement like that. In her words and the way she’s saying this, it’s invalidating not only our experience that she was there first-hand to witness […] but also other women who have previously worked with her that have come forward in light of this.
‘She mentioned something in this statement [around] protecting women – where was that same sentiment when I stated to her and wanted to talk out things and saying I’m resigning because I feel unsafe, I feel unheard, I’m disrespected.’
Adding to their comments, Davis – who also took part on the program – added: ‘A person can do good things, very good things and those don’t go away. The goodness you put out into the world – it stays there. But two things can be true at the same time. Someone that does good things can also do can do bad things and the sentiment applies […] People have been affected, it’s not just us […] The consistency of wrongdoing is very telling.
‘I look up to the fact she was using her platform to address issues that other artists weren’t doing but knowing her now, it was performative.’
This week, it emerged that Jefferson had been accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
One dancer alleged that they were pressured to touch a nude performer at a club in Amsterdam, and that the Juice musician allegedly ‘called attention’ to a performer’s weight gain – allegations that left her fans shocked.
The suit, which was obtained by several US outlets, also named Lizzo’s production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc, and her dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, as defendants – but not every claim was related to all three.
The dancers are seeking damages for emotional distress, unpaid wages, loss of earnings and attorney’s fees for the allegations, including sexual, religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination and false imprisonment, but an amount has not been made clear.Â
Jefferson , telling followers: ‘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.’
‘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 continued, insisting that she didn’t want 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.
’I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not.
‘There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.’
She concluded: ‘I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time.’
