Lizzo is shedding light on the complexities of her relationship with social media after a year that has brought both personal and public challenges. In a candid interview on Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, airing December 19, 2024, the Grammy-winning singer revealed how the internet has become a source of emotional distress for her. Lizzo, 36, spoke openly about the intense impact of online vitriol, including the loss of 150,000 followers in a single day, as well as her ongoing battles with a sexual harassment and assault lawsuit filed against her.
During the conversation with Keke Palmer, the 31-year-old host asked Lizzo how it felt to lose so many followers in such a short time. Lizzo’s response highlighted a truth many celebrities face: “I was like, Oh, wow. This is the part of fame that you unknowingly sign up for,” she said, reflecting on the reality of public scrutiny. “People now will just believe anything bad about you because there’s something about being a famous person that it’s almost like people wanna believe that you’re a bad person.” She continued, explaining how the public often struggles to accept the reality that celebrities can be “boring and chill and nice,” a stark contrast to the more sensational narratives that get spun about them.
In a moment of clarity, Lizzo questioned whether those who unfollowed her in the heat of the backlash were ever truly fans in the first place. “But if you unfollowed me that quickly, were you even a fan?” she mused, adding that the interview wasn’t for the 150,000 people who had walked away, but for the true supporters who had stuck by her side through thick and thin. “I’m doing this interview for my fans who care about me, who’ve stood beside me, and, the people that I’ve been wanting to speak to for so long,” she shared with palpable sincerity.
Lizzo’s social media hiatus from August 2023 to January 2024 was another crucial topic of discussion. She candidly explained how her break from the internet was a necessary form of self-care. “Anything that you saw was either someone on my team posted for me, or I posted real quick and threw my phone,” she admitted. The artist, who is known for her empowering and body-positive messages, explained how difficult it had become to engage with the constant barrage of “jokes,” “memes,” and “discourse” online. “When I see things about me now, or even if I see a word that looks like my name, I get physically unwell, and I can’t take it. So I have a very toxic relationship with the internet now,” Lizzo revealed, acknowledging the deep toll that online negativity had taken on her mental health.
However, despite the challenges, Lizzo found her time away to be therapeutic, suggesting that a social media detox might benefit everyone. “I pulled out, and it was very healthy for me. I suggest everyone do it,” she shared, while clarifying that she didn’t wish anyone to experience the same circumstances that led to her break. “I don’t suggest under the circumstances, but everyone should pull out for a minute,” she added, offering a simple yet profound piece of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the digital world.
In addition to speaking about her social media struggles, Lizzo addressed the sexual harassment lawsuit filed against her by three former backup dancers—Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis, and Noelle Rodriguez—who accused the singer of creating a hostile work environment. The suit, filed in August 2023, alleges sexual and racial harassment, with the dancers claiming that Black members of the dance team were treated differently than others. Lizzo, who has publicly denied the allegations, expressed her shock at the lawsuit, admitting she was “blindsided” by the claims. “I was deeply surprised,” she said, emphasizing that the accusations caught her off guard.
The legal drama continued in the months following the initial filing, with another complaint surfacing from Asha Daniels, a fashion designer who worked with Lizzo on her tour. Daniels alleged that she witnessed harassment and bullying of the dancers, as well as a “racist and sexualized” environment. Lizzo denied these claims as well, maintaining her innocence. A statement from Daniels’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, clarified that while Lizzo is no longer named as an individual defendant, the case remains active and is scheduled for a hearing on January 14, 2025.
Despite the heavy legal and social media pressures, Lizzo has remained vocal about her commitment to her fans and her determination to move forward. She continues to focus on her music, her health, and the positive energy that her supporters bring into her life. As she navigates this storm, Lizzo is doing so with strength, acknowledging the emotional toll that fame can bring, but also understanding the value of stepping back when necessary to preserve one’s mental and emotional well-being.
Through it all, Lizzo’s honesty about her struggles with the internet, the public’s treatment of her, and the ongoing legal challenges proves that even the most confident and successful artists face difficult times. But as Lizzo said, it’s all part of the fame game, and she’s determined to keep going—on her terms.
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