Lizzo said her performance at Milwaukee’s Summerfest on Thursday night went beautifully, but it was tainted after some people on her team were allegedly assaulted by a “bigoted” security guard.
Right after the alleged incident, the “Cuz I Love You” performer asked festivalgoers if they saw what happened.
“DID ANYBODY GET FOOTAGE OF THE SECURITY GUARD THAT TACKLED AND ATTACKED MY TEAM @SUMMERFEST ?” she tweeted Thursday night. “THEY SLAPPED AND MANHANDLED MY HAIR STYLIST AND STYLIST AND IM OUT FOR BLOOD.”
Lizzo then went on Instagram and addressed the alleged incident again.
“Tonight was beautiful,” she wrote Thursday. “You are beautiful. But the struggle ain’t over. Racism and bigotry don’t care if you’re a headliner. If you lay hands on my team again I hope you ready for the wrath of god. Thank you @summerfest. We will be filing a complaint against that bigoted “security” guard and I hope you’ll be cooperative in seeking justice.”
Someone from the festival did reach out to Lizzo, which she let fans know in an update. A rep from Summerfest also sent a couple of tweets.
“Lizzo gave an incredible performance which she now feels is tarnished by events which occurred during the performance,” tweeted the rep on Thursday. “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,” the message continued. “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.”
While Lizzo thanked Summerfest and fans for supporting her, she wrote one more thing about the security guard.
“Friendly reminder that you don’t have to say the ‘n word’ to be racist,” she tweeted on Friday. “That’s not the sole requirement. Asking people to prove racism is another tool the oppressor uses to marginalize and discredit us.”
Afterward, fans of the Detroit native had plenty to say about her posts.
“Love you Lizzo,” one person wrote on Instagram. “Keep standing up. You’re an inspiration. Proud of your journey and the way you’re using your voice for what’s right. Let’s go Queen.”
“I’m so sad and angry that your team had to deal with bigotry at Summerfest,” wrote someone else. “YOU are spreading love and joy, adding so much positivity in the world. @Summerfest you better take this seriously. This is not OK.”
