Lizzo Faces Career Challenges Amid Controversy
Lizzo is facing serious challenges in her career following recent controversies. She rose to fame with messages of female empowerment and body positivity, proudly representing her larger figure. However, she faced cancellation during the summer of 2023 after allegations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment surfaced. This abrupt change has left her struggling to regain her footing.
Mixed signals from Lizzo further complicate her comeback. YouTube commentator Kayla Larosa noted that Lizzo seems to lack a clear path forward, potentially confusing her fan base. In August, she announced on Instagram that she would take "a gap year" for her peace, sharing a serene photo from Bali.
Contrary to this, when asked about her break at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, she insisted she’s been busy working.
Lizzo's rise to prominence started with her 2019 album, Cuz I Love You, which earned three Grammy Awards. One song, "Truth Hurts," achieved viral success, signalling her unique voice in music. Larosa appreciated the earnestness of Lizzo’s earlier work, highlighting her talent. She followed up this success with her 2022 album Special, known for songs celebrating self-love and acceptance, further positioning herself as a leading voice in body positivity.
Her TV success came with Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, showcasing diverse bodies and winning her three Emmy Awards.
In addition to this, she launched her shapewear line, Yitty, creating pieces that cater to various sizes. Despite these achievements, Lizzo's career faced significant setbacks in August 2023 when three dancers filed a lawsuit claiming sexual misconduct and maintaining a hostile workplace.
The allegations painted a troubling picture, with accusations that Lizzo pressured the dancers into uncomfortable situations, including attending a live sex show. One dancer claimed Lizzo body-shamed her during their time together. Lizzo dismissed these accusations as false and "outrageous." Nevertheless, fallout from the allegations included the cancellation of the Made In America Festival, where she was to perform. A music industry insider described this as a significant loss, highlighting the retreat of sponsorship and overall festival collapse.
In September 2023, additional lawsuits emerged against Lizzo regarding racial and sexual harassment, muddying her already complex situation. Lizzo responded vehemently to these claims, describing them as meritless in court documents. As legal proceedings continued, her public statements reflected a tumultuous mindset, claiming, "I quit." However, later, she clarified that her words were about redirecting her energy away from negativity.
With spirals of public scrutiny, Lizzo’s audience engagement declined significantly in the past 14 months. Data shows nearly a 55% drop in monthly Spotify listeners, alongside decreases in her social media following. Clayton Durant, music consultant, noted that her current invisibility poses challenges for a musical comeback. High-profile inquiries about her whereabouts imply a disconnect with fans.
Adding complexity to her image, Lizzo, once an advocate for body positivity, has seemingly lost weight in the public eye. Discussions around potential weight-loss drugs have surfaced, which she vehemently denies. She addressed these allegations by asserting that significant lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet, informed her transformation.
For a successful return, insiders suggest that authentically reconnecting with fans and focusing on music may be crucial for Lizzo. Opportunities for pop-up performances or other innovative engagement strategies might help revive her connection with fans. Despite recent troubles, insiders still believe Lizzo's core audience remains loyal and supportive, assuming she makes sincere efforts to re-engage with them. Her dedicated fan base, they affirm, hasn’t vanished.