Did Beyoncé Throw Shade At Lizzo During Her Recent Performance? Here's Why Fans Think So
In Beyoncé's original "Break My Soul (The Queens Remix)" lyrics, she paid tribute to several musical icons. She initially sang: "Betty Davis / Solange Knowles / Badu / Lizzo / Kelly Rowl.'"
However, during her performance of the song on August 1st in Boston, Beyoncé chose to forgo naming Lizzo and instead, sang Erykah Badu's name four times.
Other footage of the performance, captured from different views, revealed that Lizzo's name was still displayed behind Beyoncé on the video graphic presented behind the stage.
Lizzo's Former Dancers Claim That She Subjected Them To 'Discrimination' And 'Sexual Harassment'
In the bombshell lawsuit, Lizzo's former dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez alleged that the "About Damn Time" hitmaker once coerced members of her dance team to participate in a sex show while they were on a trip in Amsterdam.
According to NBC News, Lizzo was named in the lawsuit alleging religious and racial harassment, false imprisonment, and disruption of potential economic opportunities. Notably, Lizzo is not the sole defendant in the case, and the claims are not leveled at all defendants.
The news of the accusations has come as an enormous surprise to Lizzo's supporters, considering the fact that her career has been focused on celebrating body positivity and inclusivity.
Ron Zambrano, legal representative for the dancers, expressed in a statement that the conduct of Lizzo and her management team toward their performers appears to contradict the values that the "Juice" singer advocates in the public domain.
In the statement, Zambrano said: "The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralizing."
Lizzo Responds To The Allegations In Lengthy Instagram Post
On August 3rd, Lizzo released a response for her Instagram followers after her ex-dancers lodged the lawsuit against her, alleging weight-discrimination, sexual misconduct, and an unwelcoming work atmosphere.
"The last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing," she wrote.
The Grammy winner added: "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," She continued in the lengthy statement.
"With passion comes hard work and high standards. 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."