Lizzo’s Big Grrrls and Big Boiiis have got her back.
Amid allegations of workplace misconduct, Lizzo’s dance crew, known collectively as the Big Grrrls and the Big Boiiis, issued a statement on social media Thursday thanking the singer for their experience on her Special Tour, which wrapped in July.
“We had the time of our lives on The Special Tour. We have been so honored to share the stage with such amazing talent,” the dancers wrote on Instagram. “The commitment to character and culture taking precedence over every movement and moment has been one of the greatest lessons and blessings that we could possibly ask for.”
The dancers also expressed gratitude to Lizzo for the diverse representation she championed on the tour with their inclusion.
“Thank you to Lizzo for shattering limitations and kicking in the doorway for the Big Grrrl and Big Boiii dancers to do what we love,” the dancers wrote. “You have created a platform where we have been able to parallel our passion with a purpose! Not only for us, but for women and all people breaking barriers.”
The dancers’ appreciation comes amid legal drama for the “About Damn Time” singer, who earlier this month was sued by a group of her former dancers for allegedly pressuring and weight-shaming them.
In the suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, plaintiffs Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis and Noelle Rodriguez claimed they were victims of sexual, racial and religious harassment, assault, false imprisonment and disability discrimination, in addition to other allegations.
Lizzo denied the allegations in an Instagram post Aug. 3, calling the accusations “sensationalized stories.” The singer said she typically doesn’t address “false allegations,” but added that “these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to be addressed.”
“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,” Lizzo added.
Lizzo first shared the spotlight with the Big Grrrl dancers as part of her Amazon series “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” which chronicled Lizzo’s search for backup dancers to join her world tour. The reality-competition series won outstanding competition program at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2022.
Following the show’s win, Lizzo took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to dedicate the victory to “the big grrls who now live in a world” with a little more representation, where they are treated with respect and are not “the punchline” of a fat joke.
“To be loved. To be talented. To be great. We do this because representation changes the culture and can change lives,” Lizzo wrote.
Lizzo:Singer responds to lawsuit from former dancers, denies weight shaming, assault allegations
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Contributing: Morgan Hines, Naledi Ushe and Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY
