Tayyaba
As she was hit with a second lawsuit claiming a hostile work environment, Lizzo accepted the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award at the Black Music Action Coalition’s gala in Los Angeles. With the new and intense allegations surrounding her, the star found support in the award, saying she really “needed this right now.”
What did Lizzo say after accepting the Humanitarian Award?
After skipping the red carpet portion of the occasion, Lizzo took to the stage at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles following an introduction by a group of her Big Grrrl dancers. While holding back tears, she told the audience that God’s “timing is on time.” The singer then expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating that she hadn’t prepared a speech “because [she] don’t know what to say in times like these.” She further noted that the humanitarian award from the BMAC is different from others she’s received throughout her career, noting that, “Humanitarianism in its nature is thankless and selfless.”
“To be kind to someone isn’t a talent; everyone can do it, it’s a gift that you give.” She continued, stressing light on the fact that that the work that full-time humanitarians put in on the daily doesn’t get recognized, “and because of that, I’ve dedicated my life, and I’ve decided to share my platform, to shine a light on those people because I so badly want to live in a world where we award goodness with our attention.” Lizzo also gave a shout out to a few organizations to which she donated $250,000 earlier this year.
“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. 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 and create safe spaces for Black, fat women because that’s what the fuck I do. It is my purpose and it is an honor.”
Lizzo in her acceptance speech
What are the lawsuits surrounding Lizzo and Big Grrrl Touring?
Earlier this week, the musician’s previous tour stylist filed a complaint against Lizzo and Big Grrrl Big Touring, accusing them of sexual and racial harassment, ableist behavior (disability discrimination), retaliation, and assault. It adds to previous allegations made in August by a trio of former tour dancers who accused Lizzo of grilling them about their weight and pressing them to do sexually graphic activities during sex performances.