Lizzo has assured her fans that she is not leaving the spotlight despite recent confusion. In a March 30th Instagram post for her 12.1 million followers last week, the Grammy winner, 35, declared “I quit” due to online bullying targeting her looks and character. However, days following the cryptic IG post, the “About Damn Time” singer (real name Melissa Viviane Jefferson) uploaded new promotional photos and videos for her shapewear line, Yitty.
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Lizzo Slammed As 'Narcissistic' And 'Dramatic' For Cryptic Instagram Post And Clarification
Rather than quitting the industry or music, as many fans interpreted her previous statement, Lizzo clarified in a new April 2nd video that she meant she was quitting giving any "negative energy attention."
Lizzo continues to spark controversy for her initial statement and later clarification, with many deeming her to be "narcissistic" and "dramatic." The Emmy winner, known for promoting body positivity, also recently faced accusations of fat-shaming a dancer.
The "Truth Hurts" hitmaker denies this and other claims from an August 2023 lawsuit filed by her former dancers alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. The case is on hold as Lizzo appeals a ruling allowing it to proceed. She maintains her innocence.
In her cryptic IG post last week, Lizzo wrote: "I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet."
She went on: "All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it. But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it."
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The artist then said she felt overwhelmed when facing "lies being told about me for clout and views," being made fun of "every single time because of how I look" and having her character scrutinized. She concluded her post: "I quit," along with a peace sign emoji.
On April 1st, Lizzo then shared two posts, including a promo video and new photo for her Yitty line. Fans headed to her comments section to share their thoughts.
"Wait I thought you quit!? Lmao," one wrote as another added: "oh i’m sorry i thought you quit?" Beneath her previous post, one user commented: "This sounds heavily narcissistic" as someone else concurred, adding: "Maybe also quit the narcissism while you're at it."
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One day after sharing her Yitty promo posts, the Grammy winner took to IG to clarify some misunderstandings in a new video. "When I say 'I quit', I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention," Lizzo said.
She went on: "What I'm not gonna quit is the joy of my life, which is making music, which is connecting to people, because I know I'm not alone."
The "Juice" crooner continued: "In no way shape or form am I the only person who is experiencing that negative voice that seems to be louder than the positive." She then followed this with a "Yitty haul," showing her fanbase a special glimpse at her line's new shapewear items.
Some followers, as seen in her comments section, were still upset by the "confusing" initial post. "The rest of the world thought she meant she was quitting music because that’s exactly what she implied," one wrote as another added: "Quit apologizing and explaining. There is no need."
Others, however, seemed relieved by her clarification. "Seriously i was literally worried. cus ma'am you make bangers!!! why quit that?" one commented as one other replied: "Am I the only one who never read “I QUIT” as he leaving music? She didn’t storm of stage or out of the studio, she made a pretty clear and direct post about being DONE with defending herself and engaging in negativity."
