Despite a growing list of legal disputes with past employees, Lizzo was honored with the Black Music Action Coalition’s Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award.
Per Billboard, the “Good As Hell” singer received her award Thursday night during the BMAC Gala, which was held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Lizzo’s advocacy work with the LGBTQIA+ community and Planned Parenthood was highlighted during the evening. Though she has long spoken out for such causes, the 35-year-old has been under fire for creating a toxic environment for her dancers and other employees, which goes against much of the positive message she preaches. During her acceptance speech, Lizzo didn’t address her lawsuits, but she did express her appreciation for the award arriving at such a tumultuous time.
“Black Music Action Coalition, y’all really are about that action. Thank you so much for this, because I needed this right now. God’s timing is always on time. I didn’t write a speech because I don’t know what to say in times like these,” Lizzo shared on stage, fighting back tears.
“It’s easy to do the right thing when everybody’s watching you and it’s what you do in those moments where nobody’s watching that defines who you are,” she continued. “I’m going to continue to amplify the voices of marginalized people … And I’m going to continue to put on and represent and create safe spaces for Black, fat women because that’s what the f*** I do.”
Just hours before her big night, Lizzo and her team were hit with another lawsuit from a wardrobe stylist, Asha Daniels, who claimed she experienced racism, sexually inappropriate comments, and fatphobia while touring with Lizzo. She is being represented by Ron Zambrano, who also assists her former dancers, Noelle Rodriguez, Crystal Williams, and Arianna Davis. They also accused the singer of not paying them fairly, lashing out at them for various unjust reasons, and also subjecting them to sexual remarks. Lizzo has denied the allegations.
