Did Lizzo Just Announce She's Quitting The Music Biz?
By Afouda Bamidele on March 29, 2024 at 6:51 PM EDT
Updated on April 3, 2024 at 7:14 AM EDT
Lizzo has announced her departure from the music industry.
Following what has been a tumultuous year of facing allegations from her former backup dancers, the singer expressed her disappointment with public opinion about her and emphatically stated, "I QUIT."
Lizzo Hangs Her Hat From Making Any More Music
Lizzo took to social media to express her frustration with constantly getting called out over the simplest things. The 35-year-old, who has known no peace since she was accused of sexual harassment last year, began:
"I'm getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet. All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it."
She claimed that she is "starting to feel like the world doesn't want me in it" due to her being "constantly up against lies being told about me for clout & views…"
It also did not help that people had resorted to making endless fun of her because of her weight while picking her character apart, especially by "people who don't know me."
The hitmaker wrapped up the surprise message, alongside the peace sign by writing, "I didn't sign up for this sh—, I QUIT."
Social Media Users Are Not In Support Of Lizzo's Decision
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Within minutes of Lizzo making the announcement via Instagram, her fans trooped into the comment section to plead with her not to give up what she loves.
"Take a break but DO NOT quit!! Never give people this much power over you. If you let them win now they will continue to do it. You got this Lizzo, sending love," one fan commented.
A second fan similarly adviced, "Don't quit, just give it a minute. Take a break. Don't quit," as a third emphasized, "Man FK them!!!!! I was telling the same, the only decision is to say F them," and a fourth reiterated:
"Noooooo!! @lizzobeeating you are beautiful & talented & funny & kind. It must be truly devastating sometimes to be scrutinized under a microscope as a celebrity. Take a break from what you can but please don't quit!"
At the same time, other fans simply expressed their love for Lizzo, with one exclaiming, "We love you Lizzo!!!! You are so loved. Just ignore them. They mean nothing," and another chiming in, "You are loved."
Is This Why Lizzo Is Quitting Music?
Even though Lizzo has faced criticism in the past, it would appear that President Joe Biden getting slammed for her performance at his record-breaking fundraiser on Thursday night was the final straw.
Succinctly put, attorney Ron Zambrano's rant to US media regarding her part in the event might have spurred Lizzo's decision to quit music.
"It's shameful that Lizzo would be chosen to headline an event like this amid such egregious allegations. Without getting into the politics, I can't imagine why anyone would want Lizzo representing them in any way, given her reprehensible behavior. It's just a terrible look."
Lizzo also received criticism after she presented the Best R&B Song award to SZA at last month's Grammy Awards ceremony.
The onstage interaction between the musical powerhouses seemingly stirred dissatisfaction among the lawyers representing Neama Rahmani, the "About D—Time" artist's ex-backup dancers.
Per The Blast, Rahmani claimed that he perceived the Michigan native's appearance at the event as a case of female privilege and a double standard.
Rahmani argued that if a white man faced the same accusations of sexual harassment, racism, and fat-shaming, they would not receive the same leniency that Lizzo did.
Lizzo Was Called Out For 'Depriving Women Of Their Empowerment'
Meanwhile, Zambrano had also spoken up in August 2023 when he learned of Lizzo's intention to countersue his clients' sexual harassment lawsuit.
The attorney, who is representing the singer's former dancers — Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, stated at the time:
"Lizzo's threat to countersue for malicious prosecution is an insidious attempt at intimidation and delivers a chilling effect to all harassment victims in the workplace."
Zambrano pointed out that the tactics employed by the team representing Lizzo mirrored common behaviors seen in the entertainment industry, such as "scare tactics, bullying, and victim-shaming." The Employment Litigation Chair at West Coast Trial Lawyers added:
"Her team is merely trying to suppress the truth and hide her hypocrisy of publicizing her brand as one of empowerment and body positivity while privately depriving women of their empowerment."
Lizzo Secured A Small Win In Her Ongoing Harassment Lawsuit
Despite the barrage of complaints against her and the subsequent public backlash, Lizzo recently made some progress in the harassment lawsuit filed against her by her backup dancers.
As The Blast reported, Judge Mark H. Epstein of the Los Angeles County Superior granted half of the Grammy Awards winner's request to dismiss the case.
Lizzo and her group, Big Grrl, denied all allegations made by the aforementioned former backup dancer trio.
The plaintiffs alleged harassment during their work and touring with the rapper, including during her reality television show "Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrls" in 2021 and her "Special" tour.
Judge Epstein detailed his decision in a 34-page order, explaining why he granted some of Lizzo's requests and dismissed others. Additionally, the "UglyDolls" voice actress also requested a jury trial in the matter.