Lizzo is no longer being considered to perform at the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show, according to a report from the Daily Mail. The news comes after a string of lawsuits accusing the “About Damn Time” performer of sexual harassment, disability discrimination and creating a hostile work environment by several backup dancers.
“Talks of Lizzo being a part of the Halftime festivities, or performing the national anthem, are dead now that she is surrounded by scandal,” an unnamed NFL insider said, according to the publication.
While it is not a paid gig, Super Bowl performances have been massive moneymakers for the artists in the prestigious spot as sales, streaming numbers and overall popularity typically get a considerable boost. For example, Justin Timberlake’s feature in 2019 led to a 534 percent spike in album sales.
On Aug. 1, three of her former dancers, Crystal Williams, Noelle Rodriguez and Arianna Davis, filed suit in Los Angeles County alleging that they were subjected to “sexually denigrating behavior” and pressured into participating in “disturbing sex shows.”
Ms. Davis also accused the 35-year-old body-positive icon of body shaming her after gaining weight.
“I know it’s alarming to hear that Lizzo, a plus-size woman who preaches body positivity, would be fat-phobic, essentially. But I want to challenge people to understand that hurt people hurt people,” Davis said while appearing on Good Morning America.
Lizzo’s production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., has also been named in the lawsuit for, among other things, racial discrimination aimed at the “full-figured women of color.”
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is only the latest domino to fall since the lawsuit was filed. More of the “Special” artist’s former staff, including former creative director Quinn Whitney Wilson, have echoed the allegations. She’s lost over 120,000 Instagram followers, and as more people point to inappropriate behavior.
She’s “desperately trying to come up with a strategy to save her sinking ship,” another source said.
Lizzo, born Melissa Jefferson, has denied the allegations and says they are “too outrageous to not be addressed.”
On Instagram, Wack 100 reacted to the news that Lizzo was apparently out of the running for the Super Bowl.
“Way to much heat on the sista. @lizzobeeating your courage got you to where your at . Use your courage to fight through these dilemmas,” he wrote. “Woman has done nothing wrong . We all have a right to make decisions. Entertainers take note to this. I rather your circle not like you for not inviting them than try to destroy your career for allowing them to be there .. Be responsible for you . Let them find their own way after the business is done. #Jigga #Lizzo needs to be placed back on that #SuperBowlShow.”
The NFL has not officially announced who is still running for the coveted position, but oddsmakers list Miley Cyrus, Bad Bunny, and Harry Styles as likely candidates.
