Lizzo called her performance last night at Summerfest “the best show ever.” But she also said she couldn’t enjoy it after two members of her team were “attacked” by a “bigoted” security guard.
In a series of tweets late Thursday and early Friday, Lizzo said a guard tackled, slapped and “manhandled” her stylist and hairstylist and used “hurtful language.” “Racism and bigotry don’t care if you’re a headliner,” she tweeted.
About two hours after Lizzo’s initial tweet, Summerfest responded: “We do not tolerate racism in any form,” it tweeted. “We will conduct a thorough investigation.”
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
Lizzo’s first tweet – around 11 p.m., just after her 10 p.m. headline performance at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse ended, was in all caps and asked if anyone captured video of the alleged incident.
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 later thanked followers for their support, said she would be file a complaint against the guard and repeated her request for video.
Tonight was beautiful. You are beautiful. But the struggle ain’t over. 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. 🤘🏾xoxo pic.twitter.com/bt3J5Cy1AS
— |L I Z Z O| (@lizzo) June 28, 2019
Before and after Summerfest’s response, which Lizzo retweeted, she posted several photos and videos from the show – one of the most highly anticipated performances of the festival.
Later Friday morning, after tweeting that she was off to London, she noted in another tweet that racism takes many forms.
Friendly reminder that you don’t have to say the ‘n word’ to be racist. That’s not the sole requirement. Asking people to prove racism is another tool the oppressor uses to marginalize and discredit us.
— |L I Z Z O| (@lizzo) June 28, 2019
A spokeswoman for Summerfest declined to comment beyond the Twitter statement issued early Friday, and a publicist for Lizzo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
