*Lizzo was set to headline JAY-Z’s Made in America music festival next month, but the event has been canceled after three of her former dancers filed a lawsuit against the singer, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.
“Due to severe circumstances outside of production control, the 2023 Made In America festival will no longer be taking place,” organizers tweeted Tuesday.
“This decision has been difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation,” the statement continued.
The festival was slated for Sept. 2 and Sept. 3 in Philadelphia, and “has a legacy of delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concertgoers, and it is our commitment to always deliver a top-tier festival experience,” organizers said, Page Six reports.
Made in America festival was set to return this summer after being pushed back last year due to the COVID pandemic. SZA was tapped to headline along with Lizzo.
— Made In America Festival (@MIAFestival) August 8, 2023
“We are thrilled to announce Made in America 2021 on the legendary Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This year will be like no other, as Made in America celebrates 10 years of music history-making moments,” Jay-Z previously said in a statement. “The artists’ performances will be even bigger and Cause Village will host a wider range of amazing philanthropic organizations. We look forward to sharing incredible memories with our festival attendees and the city of Philadelphia.”
As Page Six reports, all ticket holders “will be refunded at original point of purchase” according to the organizers.
The annual Made in America event is expected to return to Benjamin Franklin Parkway in 2024.
Meanwhile, we reported previously that Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez are suing Lizzo and the singer’s dance captain Shirlene Quigley, claiming they were also subjected to religious harassment and disability discrimination while working with Lizzo.
Lizzo shared a lengthy statement on Thursday (August 3) calling the allegations against her “false,” “unbelievable” and “too outrageous not to be addressed.”
“These last few days have gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized,” Lizzo’s message began, Us Weekly reports.
She continued: “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. 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 represents me and my fans.”
Lizzo noted that she is “not here to be looked at as a victim” but is also “not the villain.”
READ MORE: Lizzo Responds to Sexual Harassment Lawsuit, Calls Allegations ‘Outrageous’
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