Lizzo has released a statement about a reported racist attack on her stylists from a security guart at Summerfest, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
DID ANYBODY GET FOOTAGE OF THE SECURITY GUARD THAT TACKLED AND ATTACKED MY TEAM @SUMMERFEST ?!
THEY SLAPPED AND MANHANDLED MY HAIR STYLIST AND STYLIST AND IM OUT FOR BLOOD
— |L I Z Z O| (@lizzo) June 28, 2019
She performed at the festival on Thursday night, when she tweeted about the incident, explaining that a member of their security “slapped and manhandled [her] hair stylist and stylist,” before releasing a video of the guard backstage. She then claims that the guard “tackled [the stylists] to the ground and manhandled them and slapped them.” The video, which has since been deleted, reportedly sees Lizzo calling the security guard a “racist bigot.”
“Lizzo gave an incredible performance which she now feels is tarnished by events which occurred during the performance,” Summerfest explained in a statement. “We do not tolerate racism in any form. We will conduct a thorough investigation. We have an experienced crowd management staff who strive to protect performers & fans. While there may be challenges during a performance, we expect those challenges to be handled professionally & respectfully. If those standards were not met, we will take appropriate action.”
Check out Lizzo and Summerfest’s tweets about the event below.
FUCK! That was the best show ever but I feel like I can’t even celebrate cuz RACISM don’t matter if you a headliner…. SMH @Summerfest please send footage
— |L I Z Z O| (@lizzo) June 28, 2019
UPDATE: @Summerfest responded and will be investigating the guards who attacked my team! Thanks for the support and please send any footage you might have it all helps! https://t.co/ROx1sfybeb
— |L I Z Z O| (@lizzo) June 28, 2019
2/2 We have an experienced crowd management staff who strive to protect performers & fans. While there may be challenges during a performance, we expect those challenges to be handled professionally & respectfully. If those standards were not met, we will take appropriate action.
— Summerfest (@Summerfest) June 28, 2019