In a surprising move, Lizzo took the stage to present at the 2024 Grammy Awards on Sunday night, just months after being named in multiple harassment lawsuits by former team members.
The 35-year-old singer danced onto the stage to her hit “About Damn Time,” ecstatic as she introduced the Best R&B Song category. However, many viewers at home were caught off guard and took to social media to criticize both Lizzo and the Recording Academy for allowing her appearance amid her ongoing legal issues.
“Lizzo back on the scene after that scandal?” one Twitter user wrote, while another added, “After what Lizzo did she was invited to the #Grammys?”
Lizzo was first accused of fostering a hostile work environment and promoting harassment in an August 2023 lawsuit filed by three of her former backup dancers. The allegations included religious harassment, disability discrimination, and sexual harassment against the star.
Lizzo firmly denied the claims later that month, stating in an Instagram post, “My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”
One month later, Lizzo’s former wardrobe stylist Asha Daniels filed a similar harassment lawsuit against the singer. Lizzo did not publicly address the second round of accusations.
Attorney Neama Rahmani, representing all plaintiffs, later told media that Lizzo has “not accepted any responsibility” and continues to deny the allegations. Rahmani added that more alleged victims planned to come forward.
Lizzo has kept out of the spotlight in recent months, only making a red carpet appearance in November 2023 for the premiere of Beyonce’s Renaissance tour documentary.
Her unexpected Grammys moment last night promptly sparked outrage and debate on social media.
“Shoutout to the Grammys for allowing Lizzo to present an award mid sexual assault charges. Great work guys! #NoAccountabilitySociety,” one Twitter user wrote.
“If #LIZZO was a GUY, she wouldn’t be presenting an award at the Grammys! With alll those allegations she’s facing n getting ready to go to [trial],” another added.
Some viewers, however, showed support for Lizzo, with one writing, “It’s amazing that Lizzo was able to present that #GRAMMYs to SZA as that’s been her friend for many years now.”
The Recording Academy has not commented on the decision to allow Lizzo, who is facing multiple harassment lawsuits and denies any wrongdoing, to take part in the 2024 Grammys telecast.
For an organization that has worked to address issues of diversity and harassment in the music industry in recent years, the move has been called into question.
As Lizzo’s legal cases continue to unfold in 2024, many will be keeping an eye on how the singer navigates her career, and whether the allegations against her will affect her standing in the music world moving forward.
For now, her upbeat Grammys appearance has re-ignited heated debate regarding accountability in the #MeToo era.