Lizzo has finally addressed the accusations of sexual harassment and body-shaming brought on against her by three of her former dancers, in a statement on Instagram.

“These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to be addressed. 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,” she wrote.

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She added: “As an artist I have always been very passionate about what I do. I take my music and my performances seriously because at the end of the day I only want to put out the best art that represent me and my fans. With passion comes hard work and high standards. Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team.”

She continued: “I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be be these last few days. I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not. There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. 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. I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this time.”

Also Read | Lizzo sued: Singer allegedly body-shamed, sexually harassed ex-dancers, created hostile work environment

A lawsuit filed against the songstress on Tuesday in the Los Angeles Superior Court also allege that she pressured a dancer to touch a nude performer at an Amsterdam club. She also allegedly subjected the group to an “excruciating” audition after accusing the members falsely of drinking on the job.

Lizzo is known for embracing body positivity. However, one of her former dancers has accused her of calling attention to one dancer’s weight gain. The same dancer was allegedly later berated and then fired after she recorded a meeting because of a health condition.