Lizzo has broken her silence after she was accused of sexual harassment and weight-shaming following a lawsuit brought on by her former dancers.

Taking to Instagram, the Juice singer said: "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 as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not 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 went on to say that she takes her music very seriously and hopes to focus on putting out music that presents her as a person. She continued: "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. “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. “I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days." Lizzo continued: “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 l’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 difficult time." Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez have each claimed that they worked in a "hostile, abusive work environment" and have made allegations of sexual, religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault and false imprisonment. They are issuing a second lawsuit against Lizzo’s Big Grrrl Big Touring production company and dance captain Shirlene Quigley over claims that she attempted to shame the dancers over their religious beliefs.