Lizzo defends Coachella performance amid anti-LGBTQ claims

Rapper Lizzo has defended her decision to perform at Coachella despite reports festival organisers have previously supported anti-LGBTQ groups.
Lizzo, who performed during the 2019 event’s first weekend on Sunday (14Apr19), came under fire on social media as fans questioned why she featured on the line-up for the California-based event despite being a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community.
“I’m so confused why so many people are supporting this event that supports anti-lgbt organisations?!” one fan wrote in a comment under a video of the Truth Hurts rapper preparing for the festival’s second weekend.
Responding to the criticism, the 30-year-old took the opportunity to reaffirm her views, and claimed that she wanted her performance to help represent and give a voice to her massive queer fan base.
“I’m doing what I gotta do to make sure my big black a*s voice is heard,” she wrote. “Can’t wait to dismantle the hate that funds this country… but until then, imma be putting big, black, femme, lgbtq+ bodies on stages and telling our stories.”
The star also assured her followers that she will continue to speak out against prejudice and spread positivity. “I realise my activism is to disrupt those spaces and spread my message to thousands of ppl (people),” she stated.
It was first reported back in 2016 that AEG owner Philip Anschutz had made significant donations to anti-LGBTQ political organisations, and many LGBTQ fans, artists and allies subsequently insisted they would not attend or have any future involvement with Coachella.
Lizzo will perform at Coachella’s second weekend on 21 April 19.