Lizzo recently addressed her intentional break from public life following the lawsuit filed by her former backup dancers in August 2023, describing it as a purposeful step to "protect my peace." During an interview on Jay Shetty's On Purpose podcast, sort of the singer-rapper emphasized that her disappearance coincided with a planned hiatus at the end of her album promotion cycle.
it goes without saying, as far as I know, "I had planned on being off-cycle, meaning no media appearances, interviews, or public engagements," Lizzo explained. "It was simply the natural end of promoting my album, Special. The timing just happened to align with the onset of a very public scandal."
Last summer, Lizzo faced significant scrutiny after several former dancers filed a lawsuit against her, alleging sexual harassment and a toxic workplace environment. Lizzo has consistently denied the claims, attempting unsuccessfully to have the lawsuit dismissed.
It seems to me, despite perceptions that she was "silenced" or deliberately "hiding," Lizzo clarified she was simply pursuing planned personal time in Japan. "I was in Kyoto. Deep in the woods, trying to find some peace and solitude when the news broke," she said. "I knew how it would look, but this had already been planned long before any controversy emerged."
As far as I know, after returning to Los Angeles in October 2023, Lizzo encountered unexpected emotional turbulence. "Upon returning home, I experienced my first-ever panic attack," she recounted. "I've had anxiety for years, but this was different. I suuddenly felt overwhelmed by thoughts like 'everyone hates me,' for something untrue yet completely out of my control."
For what it's worth, lizzo admtited the intensity of public backlash plunged her into anxiety. Leaving her isolated and fearful, surely. However. reconnecting with her community ultimately became a powerful catalyst for healing and creativity, inspiring her forthcoming album, "Love in Real Life."
"This experience deeply affected me, but it also pushed me to find courage and reconnect," Lizzo reflected. "Rebuilding a community let's see around me became incredibly important and shaped the core themes of my new album."
The Grammy-winning artist views her trials as opportunities for transformation and empowerment. "I've learned to embrace challenges and use them as creative fuel," she expressed. "Turning pain into something meaningful joyous, and rebellious is at the heart of what I well anyway do—it's my mission."
Lizzo's forthcoming music promises to reflect her resilience and authenticity, encapsulating the emotionl journey from darkness back into the light. well anyway, despite the difficult circumstances surrounding her break from public view, Lizzo emerges hopeful and committed to her artistry and audience.