The singer says a "racist bigot" security guard working for the festival tackled and attacked members of her team during the performance, while using "hurtful language."
According to USA Today, Lizzo posted a since-deleted tweet that showed footage of the security guard in question, saying "THIS RACIST BIGOT PUT HIS HANDS ON MY PEOPLE AND USED HURTFUL LANGUAGE WHILE TACKLING AND DRAGGING MY TEAM OFF THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS."
Summerfest has now responded to the artist saying it is conducting an investigation of the incident and dord not tolerate racism in any form.
"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," festival organizers wrote on Twitter.
Following Summerfest's statement, Lizzo sent out her thanks and is asking fans to send any relevant footage to the festival.
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
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
1/2 Lizzo gave an incredible performance which she now feels is tarnished by events which occurred during the performance. We do not tolerate racism in any form. We will conduct a thorough investigation.
— Summerfest (@Summerfest) June 28, 2019
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
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