Pop sensation Lizzo, renowned for her empowering self-love ethos, has announced her departure from the limelight, says “I quit” citing relentless targeting based on her appearance and character. The Grammy-winning artist, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, expressed her exhaustion with enduring criticism both in her personal and online life.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Friday, Lizzo opened up about feeling constantly dragged down by individuals both in her inner circle and on the internet. Despite her earnest desire to spread joy through her music and contribute positively to the world, she confessed to feeling increasingly alienated.
The 35-year-old artist’s decision to step away from the spotlight follows a tumultuous period, including legal disputes with former dancers who accused her of various forms of harassment. While some claims were dismissed by a judge, the lawsuit persists, adding to the strain on Lizzo’s mental and emotional well-being.
Despite recent expressions of enthusiasm for her musical endeavors, such as teasing upcoming projects, Lizzo’s resolve appears to have reached its breaking point. Her disillusionment was further compounded by her recent participation in a Democratic campaign event, where she felt compelled to warm up the crowd alongside political heavyweights like President Joe Biden and former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
Critics lambasted the decision to feature Lizzo at such an event in light of the ongoing allegations against her, prompting her lawyer, Ron Zambrano, to decry the perceived hypocrisy. Lizzo’s Instagram post echoed her frustration with being subjected to falsehoods and ridicule for the sake of social media clout, lamenting the relentless scrutiny of her appearance and character by strangers.
While the response to Lizzo’s announcement was predictably mixed, with some perpetuating the very criticisms she decried, many rallied behind her with messages of support and solidarity. Among them was reality star and entrepreneur Paris Hilton, who affirmed her admiration for the embattled artist, reminding her that she is cherished by her devoted fanbase.
As Lizzo takes a step back from the public eye, her decision serves as a poignant reminder of the toll exacted by relentless scrutiny and the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being in an industry often defined by its unforgiving standards.