LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Pop star Lizzo was honored with the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award at the Black Music Action Coalition gala on Thursday, September 21.
The 35-year-old ‘Pink’ singer was awarded for her work towards humanitarian causes at the gala held at Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. However, not many were happy online with her selection for the award as they pointed out the active lawsuits against the R&B sensation.
Moreover, adding to her woe, another former staff member also sued Lizzo claiming she created a hostile work environment.
Lizzo accepts the award, saying ‘I needed this right now’
The ‘Good As Hell’ singer, however, was not perturbed by the allegations while accepting the award on Thursday evening.
She was heard saying, “Black Music Action Coalition, y’all really are about that action. Thank you so much for this, because I needed this right now. God’s timing is always on time!”
The ‘Juice’ singer continued emotionally, “I didn’t write a speech because I don’t know what to say in times like these,” per Variety.
Lizzo is known for her donations to organizations that work for the betterment of Black and trans communities. After talking about her charity, she said, “It’s easy to do the right thing when everybody’s watching you, and it’s what you do in those moments when nobody’s watching that defines who you are.”
She continued, “And I’m going to continue to be who I am, no matter who’s watching. I’m going to continue to shine a light on the people who are helping people, because they deserve it.”
The crooner added, “I’m going to continue to amplify the voices of marginalized people because I have a microphone and I know how to use it.
“And, I’m going to continue to put on and represent safe spaces for fat Black women, because that’s what the f**k I do!” promised Lizzo to her fans.
What are the allegations against Lizzo?
Per The Guardian, fashion designer Asha Daniels, who created outfits for dancers during Lizzo’s tour earlier this year, filed a lawsuit against the singer for “unsafe, sexually charged workplace culture”.
The fashion designer’s lawyers filed the lawsuit against Lizzo and a few members of her team for subjecting her to sexual and racial bullying.
This comes on the heels of another lawsuit filed against her by three former background dancers who also accused her of creating a hostile work environment.
The three dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez and their lawyer, Ron Zambrano, told NBC News about the harassment the dancers faced.
In a 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.”
The dancers accused Lizzo of sexual harassment, fat shaming and creating a hostile work environment in several instances between 2021 and 2023.
'Ironic cause she just got done of being accused of abusing her staff'
After Lizzo's acceptance speech at the BMAC Award went viral, netizens slammed the decision to give her the humanitarian award.
One user showed their displeasure by quipping, "Guess they havent heard the news."
Someone else said, "Translation: “I’m guilty of something, I need an award to make me look good”."
Someone deemed Lizzo's win as ironic as they said, "Ironic cause she just got done of being accused of abusing her staff. Failing upwards."
Another fan condemned the organizers with strong words, "Bad people being given humanatarian awards you couldnt make it up if jack the ripper fell into there inclusivity extremism they would give him an award."
"So because she was a big black women she can do whatever she wants and no punishment?" quizzed a fan disillusioned with the songstress.
"And what about the black woman who file a case against her," curiously asked another.
