Lizzo Accepts Humanitarian Award Amidst Legal Challenge
In a poignant moment at the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) gala in Los Angeles, Lizzo was honored with the prestigious Humanitarian Award, marking a significant achievement in her career. The recognition comes at a time when the artist is facing her second legal challenge, with a worker alleging a hostile work environment.
Lizzo, known for her hit song “About Damn Time,” opted to forgo the red carpet at the event and instead took the stage at the Beverly Hilton hotel, introduced by her Big Grrrl dancers.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she addressed the audience, saying, “I really needed this right now. God’s timing is on time.”
In an impromptu speech that she confessed to not having prepared, Lizzo expressed her gratitude to BMAC for the honor. She underscored the unique nature of the Humanitarian Award, stating that it stands apart from other accolades because “humanitarianism, in its nature, is thankless, it’s selfless. To be kind to someone isn’t a talent; everyone can do it; it’s a gift that you give.”
Lizzo went on to acknowledge the tireless work of full-time humanitarians who often go unnoticed. She said, “Because of that, I’ve dedicated my life and decided to share my platform to shine a light on those people because I so badly want to live in a world where we award goodness with our attention.”
Lizzo accepting the Humanitarian Award from the Black Music Action Coalition, while surrounded by a group of her dancers:
“I’m going to continue to put on, represent, and create safe spaces for Black fat women cause that’s what the f*ck I do.”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 22, 2023
During her acceptance speech, Lizzo recognized a black-led organization to which she had donated $250,000 earlier in the year. She added, “It’s easy to do the right thing when everybody’s watching you, and it’s what you do in those moments where nobody’s watching that defines who you are.”
She concluded with a passionate commitment to her mission, saying, “I’m going to continue to shine a light on the people who are helping people because they deserve it. I’m going to continue to amplify the voices of marginalized people because I have a microphone and I know how to use it. And I’m going to continue to put on and represent and create safe spaces for Black, fat women because that’s what I do. It is my purpose, and it is an honor.”
Lizzo receives a humanitarian award after being sued by a former stylist. https://t.co/l65ob714mu
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) September 22, 2023