Lizzo's controversies threaten her success

When American musician Lizzo first came into the limelight, she was the ultimate picture of confidence and body positivity.

From the lyrics in her music to the way she carried herself, the singer encouraged self-acceptance and self-love, an undoubtedly empowering message for fans, especially the young, impressionable ones.

But all the talk about learning to love the skin one is in has been tainted by accusations that have recently rocked Lizzo’s career.

“Thick thighs save lives.” “I am my inspiration.” Empowering and full of affirmation, lyrics like these helped turn Lizzo into the poster girl for self-confidence,” The Independent reports on Lizzo’s rise and how she crafted a globally successful brand of body positivity.

The report adds: “Just a couple of months ago, she lit up Glastonbury’s Worthy Farm, performing a set that many said should have earned her a headliner slot. Building on two years of dominating the airwaves with her inspiring messages and impressive flute solos, Lizzo was at the top of her game.”

The 35-year-old has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons recently as allegations of a hostile work environment, sexual harassment and bullying from her dance crew members have come up.

These are a threat to her image of empowerment and inspiration, as has been noted by multiple reports. They have cast doubt on the singer’s character even as she attempts to clear her name.

The singer’s former dancers alleged in a 44-page lawsuit that Lizzo put them through weight shaming and sexual harassment, among other atrocious accusations.

Entertainment website Vox reports on the suit, noting that Lizzo denies the allegations; “Among the claims included in the suit is that Lizzo pressured dancers into unwanted sexual situations, made statements that were perceived as thinly veiled comments about a dancer’s weight gain, and put people through gruelling rehearsals that led to one dancer soiling herself.”

In an emotional response posted on Instagram in August 2023, Lizzo said that she had been through a gut-wrenching couple of days and was “overwhelmingly disappointed.”

“My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually, I choose not to respond to false allegations, but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed,” Lizzo wrote.

She added: “These sensationalised stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.” 

The singer further said that she holds her team to high standards and, although she sometimes has “to make hard decisions,” she has never intended “to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team.”

“There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed daily and would never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.”

Billboard reports that a judge dismissed several accusations filed by three of the star’s backup dancers, but allowed the case to move forward.

Lizzo argued last year that the case should be dismissed under California’s anti-SLAPP statute — a special law that makes it easier to quickly end meritless lawsuits that threaten free speech, per the report.

There is no denying the levels of Lizzo’s success, as a four-time Grammy award winner and successful entrepreneur. Now, she fights to restore her reputation and redeem herself.

Early this week, she raised concern when she wrote a heavily worded message on Instagram that many news outlets interpreted as an announcement that she was quitting music.

“I am getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet,” she wrote, adding that she was starting to feel like “the world doesn’t want me in it.”

She added: “I am constantly up against lies being told about me for clout and views. Being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look... my character being picked apart by people who don’t know me and disrespecting my name. I didn’t sign up for this (expletive)- I quit.”

Days later, she took to the platform to clarify her statements and that she was, indeed, not ending her musical career- she was just quitting the negativity.

“When I say ‘I quit,’ I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention,” Lizzo said in a video on Instagram, adding, “What I am not gonna quit, is the joy of my life, which is making music which is connecting the people.”

The Washington Post notes that although Lizzo had enjoyed massive success up to this point in her career, the legal turmoil has brought with it a wave of criticism and backlash online.

“As surprising as her exit might have been, it is not unheard of for major music artists to dramatically retire or quit their craft, even if they eventually return. Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber and Jay-Z have announced retirements and resignations from the industry only to find their way back into recording booths and concert stages down the road,” the magazine reports.