Lizzo’s Grammys Appearance Sparks Controversy Amid Harassment Claims

Lizzo, the Grammy-winning singer and rapper, has faced backlash for attending the 2024 Grammys while dealing with ongoing lawsuits for sexual harassment and discrimination.

The “Truth Hurts” star, who presented the award for best R&B song to her friend SZA, was accused by her former backup dancers of subjecting them to unwanted sexual advances, verbal abuse, and unfair pay. The dancers filed a lawsuit against Lizzo in December 2023, seeking damages and a public apology.

However, Lizzo has denied the allegations, calling them “false and defamatory” in a statement released by her lawyer. She also claimed that the dancers were fired for “poor performance and unprofessional conduct” and that they were trying to “extort” her for money and fame. Lizzo has not commented on the case since then and has continued to release new music and perform at various events.

Some fans were surprised and confused to see Lizzo at the Grammys, where she wore a strapless leather dress and danced to her song “About Damn Time” before announcing the nominees and the winner for best R&B song. While some praised her for supporting SZA, who won for her song “Snooze”, others questioned why she was allowed to present an award while facing severe accusations. Some even compared her situation to male celebrities who have been cancelled or boycotted for similar or lesser offences.

“Lizzo still able to present awards when she was out here wildin is crazy,” one user tweeted¹. “I thought I’d see Tupac before I’d ever see Lizzo again #GRAMMYs,” another joked², referencing the late rapper. “So…..whatever happened to the Lizzo allegations???? Do they go away or???? And now she’s at the Grammys like nothing happened?” a third person asked.

“Why is Lizzo here? Didn’t she have horrible allegations against her,” another wondered.

“Lizzo back on the scene after that scandal?” one more questioned. One fan even called out the Recording Academy, writing, “Shoutout to the Grammys for allowing Lizzo to present an award mid sexual assault charges! Great work, guys! #NoAccountabilitySociety”.

However, others saw no issue with Lizzo’s appearance and enjoyed seeing her announce her “Special” collaborator as a winner. “The embrace between SZA and Lizzo is the epitome of how Black women will always love on each other and encourage each other and have your back when no one else will,” a supporter wrote on X.

Lizzo has not addressed the controversy over her Grammys appearance, nor has the Recording Academy issued any statement on their decision to invite her as a presenter. The case between Lizzo and her former dancers is still pending in court.