Grammy-winning artist Lizzo has opened up about her intentional step back from the public eye following a lawsuit filed by her former tour dancers in 2023, stating that the planned hiatus for an “off-cycle” period coincided with the emergence of the legal challenge.
Speaking on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast, the rapper-singer explained that her decision to disappear from the spotlight after the “scandal” was rooted in a desire to “protect my peace.”
“I had planned on being off-cycle. That means you’re not in the media, you’re not doing interviews. Your album cycle is done,” Lizzo said. “And I think the best, most simplest answer as to why I am back now is ’cause my album’s done. This is my job, you know, I am a musical artist.”
The “About Damn Time” artist elaborated on the timing, noting the confluence of her professional schedule and the unfolding legal situation. “But I think it’s loaded this time because at the exact same time I was like, ‘I’m going on a vacation. I’m gonna be in Japan. I’m gonna go to Kyoto and be in the woods and disappear.’ I also had a huge scandal come out.”
In August 2023, several of Lizzo’s former backup dancers filed a lawsuit against her, alleging sexual harassment and the creation of a hostile workplace environment. Lizzo has consistently denied the allegations and attempted to have the suit dismissed, but her efforts were unsuccessful, and the legal battle continues.
Lizzo addressed the perception that her absence was a result of the lawsuit, clarifying that it aligned with the natural conclusion of her promotional cycle for her 2022 album, “Special.”
“This was planned… I’m in Japan, I’m in the woods, I’m meditating, and oh, this scandal just happened. Where’s Lizzo?” she recounted. “So I’m aware of that. I’m cognizant of it, and I’m up for the challenge of explaining this to the people who care about me ’cause they deserve to know, honestly.”
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The “Still Bad” singer revealed that she returned to the United States from Japan in October 2023 and promptly resumed working on new music in the studio. However, she also disclosed that she experienced a significant wave of anxiety upon her return, which she believes was a delayed reaction to the “scandal.”
“When I touched down in Los Angeles, it didn’t hit me how deeply affected I was because I had been trying to be happy for everyone else,” Lizzo explained. “I had my first panic attack ever. I was in the car coming home from the airport and I was like, ‘Something’s wrong with my chest.’ I’ve dealt with anxiety for years, but this felt different.”
She further described the intense emotional impact of the situation. “And I had this thought, I was just like, ‘Everybody hates me. Everybody hates me for something that isn’t true.’ But at the end of the day, because of the position I’m in, everybody hates me and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Lizzo shared that this period led her to a “dark” place, where she felt “scared of people.” However, she emphasized the importance of finding the courage to re-engage with the outside world and build a supportive “community with people,” which ultimately served as inspiration for her upcoming album, titled “Love in Real Life.”
“I go through this really, really tough shit man. And it’s fine because I have learned to use my alchemy and turn it into gold and turn it into meaningfulness and acts of rebellious joy that people can use in the world, and I’m cool with it,” she stated. “That’s my mission.”
Lizzo did not provide a specific release date for “Love in Real Life,” but her return to the public eye and her discussion of the album on the podcast suggest that new music is imminent. Her willingness to address the challenging period following the lawsuit indicates a desire to reconnect with her fanbase and move forward with her artistic career. The ongoing legal proceedings, however, are likely to remain a point of public interest as Lizzo embarks on this new chapter.
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