On Thursday (June 27), Lizzo performed at the 2019 Summerfest concert in Milwaukee. However, as the R&B singer noted after the fact on social media, what should have been remembered as a beautiful concert experience instead culminated in her calling out the festival staff for allegedly attacking members of her team.
The “Truth Hurts” singer claims that a “bigoted ‘security’ guard” attacked her stylist, stating that in addition to slapping and manhandling the member of her staff, the guard also “used hurtful language while tackling and dragging my team off the festival grounds.”
“Tonight was beautiful. You are beautiful. But the struggle ain’t over,” she wrote in a series of tweets after the performance Thursday night. “Racism and bigotry don’t care if you’re a headliner. Thank you @summerfest. We will be filing a complaint against that bigoted “security” guard and I hope you’ll be cooperative in seeking justice.”
She then asked festival and attendees to send footage if they have it. Later on, the powerhouse performer updated fans to share that the organizers of the festival have begun investigating the matter.
“UPDATE: @Summerfest responded and will be investigating the guards who attacked my team!” she wrote. “Thanks for the support and please send any footage you might have it all helps!”
After news of the alleged incident began to gain traction online, Lizzo made another statement on Twitter.
“Friendly reminder that you don’t have to say the ‘n word’ to be racist,” she wrote. “That’s not the sole requirement. Asking people to prove racism is another tool the oppressor uses to marginalize and discredit us.”
Summerfest has since commented on the alleged incident, during which they confirm that they will be investigating her claims.
“Lizzo gave an incredible performance which she now feels is tarnished by events which occurred during the performance,” the festival tweeted from their official account. “We do not tolerate racism in any form. We will conduct a thorough investigation.”
In a follow-up tweet the company noted that they have a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior.
“We have an experienced crowd management staff who strive to protect performers & fans,” the festival added. “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.”
Take a look at Lizzo’s tweets alerting fans of what she and her team experienced at Summerfest below.