Lizzo
Image Source: Cosmopolitan UK, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
What was the Accusation?
In August 2023, Lizzo, a popular singer and entertainer known for promoting positive body image and women’s empowerment, was sued by three former backup dancers: Arianna Davis, Noelle Rodriguez, and Crystal Williams. The lawsuit alleged that Lizzo and members of her team promoted or tolerated body shaming, religious harassment, sexual harassment, and a hostile work environment while the dancers worked with her and while they were on tour. Other claims included allegations that dancers were accused of drinking while on the job, pressured into sexually explicit or lewd situations during a tour stop in Amsterdam, and criticized over concerns about weight gain.
The dancers were named as plaintiffs in the suit, while Lizzo’s company Big Grrrl Touring and dance team captain Shirlene Quigley were named as defendants in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Lizzo did not immediately respond to the claims, but later issued a statement on Instagram. In that statement, she denied several of the allegations, characterized the former employees’ accounts as sensationalized, and defended her own standards as an artist and employer. Some supporters agreed with her framing, while critics argued that the statement did not function as a full apology and instead attacked the credibility of the accusers. The response used denial, bolstering, and attacking the accuser by rejecting the accusations, emphasizing Lizzo’s values and work ethic, and challenging the plaintiffs’ version of events.
Key Apologia Strategies:
Denial, Bolstering, Attacking the Accuser
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Photo Credit: Instagram post by Lizzo (August 3, 2023).