Lizzo, the award-winning musician known for her body-positive anthem “Truth Hurts,” is stepping away from her career.
On Friday, the 35-year-old singer-songwriter shared a heartfelt message with her 12.1 million Instagram followers. In her post, she expressed her frustration over the constant scrutiny and criticism she experiences. She stated that she feels like she’s constantly under attack, with her image and character constantly being dissected by people who don’t even know her.
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The decision to quit came months after a lawsuit was filed against her by former backup dancers. In their legal claim, they accused Lizzo of creating a hostile work environment, body-shaming, and sexual harassment.
The lawsuit details numerous shocking allegations. According to the plaintiffs, Lizzo forced dancers to participate in activities that were degrading and inappropriate during a tour in Amsterdam. Furthermore, allegations of toxic workplace conditions surfaced when a former wardrobe assistant joined the lawsuit.
Following the allegations, some industry insiders came forward supporting the claims made by the plaintiffs. Oscar-nominated director Sophia Nahlia Allison revealed she walked away from a Lizzo documentary in 2019 due to the disrespectful treatment she received from the singer.
Despite the mounting allegations, Lizzo remained firm, denying all the claims made against her. In a lengthy social media post, she called the allegations “false” and “unbelievable,” asserting that the stories are sensationalized accounts from disgruntled former employees.
The public’s reaction to Lizzo’s announcement has been mixed. While some fans have expressed their support for the singer, others have used the opportunity to criticize her further. The onslaught of opinions highlights the power and challenges of social media, especially for celebrities.
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