Lizzo Accuses “Racist Bigot” Security Guard of Attacking Her Team at Milwaukee’s Summerfest
Photos by Emma McIntyre/Getty, Frazer Harrison/Getty Music News Lizzo
Rapper and singer Lizzo has accused a Summerfest security guard of attacking her team in a racially bigoted incident, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The rapper and singer tweeted about her “best show ever” at the Milwaukee festival, and then added how the experience was ruined by the attack.
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
In a since-deleted tweet that included footage of the alleged attack, the “Juice” singer said, “THIS RACIST BIGOT PUT HIS HANDS ON MY PEOPLE AND USED HURTFUL LANGUAGE WHILE TACKLING AND DRAGGING MY TEAM OFF THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS.” The video appeared to show a small gathering of security personnel crowded near a police car. In the deleted video, Lizzo can be heard asking for the name of the man “in the orange jacket,” but the man stays quiet.
Lizzo further explained via Twitter what the security guard did:
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
According to more recent tweets from the artist, Summerfest is now investigating the incident, but Lizzo has urged anyone with possible footage of the events to help with the investigation.
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
After Lizzo’s emotional social media outrage, Summerfest issued a formal response stating their lack of tolerance for racism and their intent to investigate the matter.
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
Watch Lizzo’s 2016 Daytrotter Session below.