As the summer season winds down, Lizzo, the celebrated singer at 35, has graced her fans with a bold and vibrant new hairstyle. She took to Instagram on Wednesday to showcase her latest look, which features a striking platinum blonde bob with playful pink-tipped accents, coupled with longer, mullet-style layers.
In her Instagram caption, adorned with an octopus emoji, the Michigan-born star alluded to the hairstyle as “Octopus Hair.” This trend draws its name from its resemblance to the graceful flow of octopus tentacles, highlighted by the longer, mullet-inspired layers. Nevertheless, the visionary hairstylist behind the transformation, Shelbeniece Swain, chose to refer to it as “Jellyfish Hair,” which shares a similar essence but incorporates a more pronounced, blunt layer.
Swain shared a gallery of captivating images of Lizzo, modeling her new hair with flair. The singer was adorned in a coordinating metallic ensemble, featuring a bandeau top, wide-legged pants, and a sculptural purse. In the caption accompanying the images, Swain humorously declared, “I DON’T THINK YOU’RE READY FOR THIS JELLY-FISH 💅🏾💅🏾💅🏾.”
Lizzo, renowned for her fearless fashion sense, also posted a playful video where she joyously shook her head in rhythm to the track “Bobby B-” by artist Bobby Shmurda. In her caption, she quirkily proclaimed, “The bob is bobbing.”
This striking transformation arrives amid the backdrop of a legal controversy that Lizzo finds herself entangled in. She is currently facing a lawsuit filed by three of her former dancers, who have accused her of sexual, racial, and religious harassment, as well as creating a hostile work environment.
The lawsuit, presented to PEOPLE by the law firm representing the plaintiffs, names Lizzo (born Melissa Jefferson), her production company (Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc.), and Lizzo’s dance team captain (Shirlene Quigley) as defendants.
According to the lawsuit, the dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, claim that they were coerced by Lizzo into touching nude performers during an outing at a club in Amsterdam. Furthermore, they alleged experiencing weight shaming.
Lizzo’s legal team plans to mount a counterclaim, alleging hypocritical behavior on the part of the plaintiffs. Marty Singer, Lizzo’s attorney, has provided PEOPLE with photographs purportedly showing plaintiffs Davis, Williams, and Rodriguez “happily cavorting backstage” with performers from Crazy Horse’s topless cabaret show on March 5, 2023, in Paris. This evidence contradicts the plaintiffs’ assertion that they were pressured into attending such performances while on tour.
Singer asserts, “These irrefutable photos and videos, along with additional substantial evidence, prove the glaring contradictions between what the plaintiffs claim in their bogus lawsuit and what is actually proven by the facts. The lawsuit is a sham. Lizzo intends to sue for malicious prosecution after she prevails and these specious claims are dismissed.”
In response to the lawsuit, Lizzo previously addressed the allegations on her social media platforms, expressing that she is not the villain in this situation and that the accusations against her are “too outrageous” to go unaddressed. The “About Damn Time” singer conveyed her disappointment, stating, “My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized.” She continued, “Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations, but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous not to be addressed.”
