Lizzo, the Grammy-winning singer and fashion entrepreneur, announced on Instagram Friday that she is “quitting”, citing the criticism she has received online.
“I'm tired of putting up with being dragged down by everyone in life and on the internet,” she wrote. “All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than when I met it. But the world wants me in it. I’m starting to feel like maybe not.”
The post went on to describe how she faced ridicule, and ended with her declaration about quitting.
“I am always fighting against the lies that are told about me in order to gain influence and attention,” she added. “I'm always the butt of jokes because of my appearance…my personality is discriminated against and my name is disrespected by people who don't know me.”
A representative for Mr. Rizzo could not be reached for comment Saturday.
The comments section of her Instagram post was flooded with messages of support from hip-hop pioneer Queen Latifah, cartoonist Eric Andre, fashion illustrator and designer Hayden Williams, and more.
“The Internet is not the real world,” actress Sophia Bush wrote. “We will protect you. We love you.”
Lizzo, real name Melissa Jefferson, has a catalog of feel-good funk and pop with No. 1 hits like 2017's “Truth Hurts” and 2022's “About Dumb Time,” as well as lyrics focused on empowerment. gained fame for.
Her voice is commanding on record, outspoken in public, and she continues to speak out about body positivity. She launched Yitty, a shapewear line “designed for every body type,” in 2022, according to her brand's website.
However, her efforts to promote these ideals have often been the subject of ridicule.
Her statement on Friday wasn't the first time the singer has hinted that she might leave the music industry. In 2023, she made her Twitter account private several times after a series of comments insulting her body.
“Guys, you have no idea how close I came to giving up on everyone and quitting,” she posted before locking her account.
Friday's statement contrasts with a March 17 Instagram post in which she wrote, “I'm writing the best music and I can't wait for you to hear it.” .
Despite the backlash, Lizzo continued to find success.
She has won four Grammy Awards and one Emmy Award for her role in the reality series “Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” which follows a group of aspiring dancers. In 2023, her music was featured in the blockbuster movie Barbie, and this year she promoted her new swimwear line with her own fashion brand.
Her statement Friday follows multiple lawsuits filed against Lizzo last year by the designer, who accused Lizzo of creating a hostile work environment during her 2023 tour, and three separate former backup dancers of Lizzo. It took place in the middle of a lawsuit. Lizzo has repeatedly denied her charges.
In December 2023, she filed a motion to dismiss the designer's lawsuit. Last month, a judge denied a motion by the dancers to dismiss the lawsuit. The judge dismissed some claims but allowed the case to proceed to trial.
