During an intimate performance at Los Angeles’ Wiltern Theatre, Grammy-winning artist Lizzo shared a deeply personal revelation about her struggle with depression following legal battles that left her feeling “so heartbroken” and even questioning her will to live.
The turmoil began in August 2023 when three former backup dancers, Arianna Davis, Noelle Rodriguez, and Crystal Williams, filed a lawsuit against Lizzo born Melissa Viviane Jefferson and her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT). The lawsuit accused Lizzo of sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment. Allegations included being pressured to engage with nude performers during a trip to Amsterdam and facing comments about weight gain that reportedly affected job security. A month later, Asha Daniels, a former wardrobe designer for Lizzo’s tour, filed another lawsuit alleging sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination, and assault, further intensifying public scrutiny.
The emotional toll of these lawsuits pushed Lizzo into a deep depression. “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,” she confessed to the audience. She admitted feeling afraid of people and hesitant to be seen in public, withdrawing from the very world she had once embraced with confidence and self-love.
Despite this despair, an unexpected moment of kindness from a fan reignited her passion for music and life. While walking through the crowd at a show, a stranger reached out and told her, “Lizzo, I love you.” In that moment, she realized that genuine love and support still existed beyond the negativity on the internet. The brief but powerful interaction reminded her of the real-life connections that mattered most.
This experience profoundly influenced her upcoming album, Love in Real Life, which symbolizes the unwavering support that helped her heal. “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,’” Lizzo reflected.
Through resilience and self-discovery, Lizzo has emerged stronger, using her music to celebrate love, healing, and the power of human connection.
