Just hours after a second lawsuit was filed against Lizzo for creating a hostile work environment, the star accepted the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award at the Black Music Action Coalition gala in Los Angeles.
After skipping the evening’s red carpet, Lizzo took the stage at the Beverly Hilton Hotel after being introduced by a group of her Big Grrrl dancers. Wiping away tears, she told the crowd: “I really needed this right now. God’s timing is right on time.”
“I didn’t write a speech because I don’t know what to say at times like this,” Lizzo continued, thanking BMAC for the honor and noting that this award is different than others she has won because “humanity It’s in their nature.” ungrateful, it’s selfless. Being kind to someone is not a talent; Anyone can do it, it’s a gift that you give.” She highlighted the work that full-time humanitarian workers do every day that goes unacknowledged, “and that’s why I dedicated my life and decided to share my platform , to shine a light on these people. “I really want to live in a world where we reward the good with our attention.”
After addressing the Black-led organizations to which she gave a $250,000 donation earlier this year, Lizzo noted that she wanted to say something else. “It’s easy to do the right thing when everyone is watching you, and what you do in the moments when no one is watching defines who you are,” she said. “And I will continue to be who I am, no matter who is watching. I will continue to shine a spotlight on the people who help people because they deserve it. I will continue to amplify the voices of marginalized people because I have a microphone and I know how to use it. And I will continue to advocate for, represent, and create safe spaces for black fat women because that’s what the fuck I do. It’s my goal and it’s an honor.”
On Thursday, the singer’s former touring stylist filed a lawsuit accusing Lizzo and Big Grrrl Big Touring bosses of sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination, retaliation and assault. It builds on previous allegations filed in August by a trio of former touring dancers who sued Lizzo, alleging they questioned her about her weight and pressured her to engage in sexually explicit acts at sex shows.
At the event, a large group of Lizzo’s dancers presented her with the Humanitarian Award, with several declaring their love for her and one noting, “She was the first person who ever believed in us and showed us love and our talent and ours.” Talents believed.” We thank you very much for that.”
Hosted by Kenny Burns, the three-hour ceremony also included Keke Palmer, Jermaine Dupri, Sylvia Rhone, Jesse Collins, Dr. Menna Demessie, Jason Flom, Trae tha Truth, Tariq Cherif and Matt Zingler honored. The third annual gala recognized individuals and organizations that have created positive change and contributed to improving equity within the community.
Palmer was honored by two of her sisters with the BMAC Social Impact Award and spoke about how her love of entertainment comes from a desire to do good for her family and community.
“I realized very early on what impact I could have through the arts and how I could move and touch people. As I grew older, my parents introduced me to the likes of Muhammad Ali, Ossie Davis, and Eartha Kitt – people who really used their platform and the opportunity to be in the public eye to shed light on the things that mattered to them are. and most importantly, how we as Black people can represent one another and encourage one another as best we can,” Palmer said. “For me, what you see from me — whether you love it or hate it or whatever it is — really comes from my heart, guys. I’m really doing my best, as a Millennial, as a young woman in this world, now as a mother. I do my best from the bottom of my heart and I just want everyone in this world to have joy and the freedom to be themselves because we only have one life. We all deserve to live it and have a good time.”
