During an intimate performance at Los Angeles’ Wiltern Theatre, Lizzo shared that the legal battles left her feeling “so heartbroken” and led her into a “dark, deep depression,” to the point where she “didn’t want to live anymore.”
The turmoil began in August 2023 when three former backup dancers namely, Arianna Davis, Noelle Rodriguez, and Crystal Williams filed a lawsuit accusing Lizzo, born, Melissa Viviane Jefferson and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT), of sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment. The allegations included claims of being pressured to engage with nude performers during an Amsterdam trip and facing comments about weight gain, which purportedly led to concerns about job security.
Subsequently, in September 2023, Asha Daniels, a former wardrobe designer for Lizzo’s tour, filed a separate lawsuit alleging sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination, and assault. These compounded accusations intensified the public scrutiny surrounding Lizzo and her team.
Despite the depth of her despair, a poignant moment during a concert became a beacon of hope for Lizzo. She recounted how a fan’s unexpected act of kindness and support reignited her passion for music and life. This experience profoundly influenced her forthcoming album, aptly titled “Love in Real Life,” symbolizing the genuine connections that helped her navigate through her darkest times.
“I named (my album ‘Love in Real Life’) because about a year and a half ago – it’s so hard for me to talk about – I was in such a dark, deep depression. I was so heartbroken by the world and so deeply hurt that I didn’t want to live anymore, and I was so deeply afraid of people that I didn’t want to be seen,” Lizzo candidly shared.
Adding that after a while she learned to come into terms with everything happening and let go, “Eventually, I got over that fear.”
Lizzo in a past fileOne of the things that helped Lizzo get out of her depressive episode is an impromptu encounter she had with a random fan. She notes being showered with such outpouring love from a stranger reminded her that netizens may say vile things and spew hate all round the clock but to the people on the ground who genuinely loved her the support was still unending.
“As I was walking through the crowd to get to my spot, something miraculous happened. Somebody, who I didn’t know, looked at me and said, ‘Lizzo, I love you.’ And they reached out, and I reached back, and we hugged, and it felt so damn good.”
She noted that the moment literally saved her life and healed the broken bits inside her. “After that experience I was like, ‘Damn, you can’t get this s*** on the Internet, bro. This is the kind of love you can only get in real life.” The 36-year-old multi-award-winning artist shared.
by HANNIE PETRA
