Pop sensation Lizzo is reclaiming her narrative after a challenging year of legal battles and public scrutiny. During a panel at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit on October 14, Lizzo shared her renewed mindset, making it clear that she’s no longer allowing outside opinions to affect her well-being.
“I’ve been canceled for everything at this point,” Lizzo said. “Only God can cancel me now.” The Grammy-winning singer emphasized that she’s setting new boundaries when it comes to engaging with the public. “I talk about the things that are important to me and the things I can bring a difference to. Those are my boundaries now,” she stated.
A Year of Scrutiny for Lizzo
In August 2023, three former dancers filed a lawsuit accusing Lizzo of fostering an “abusive work environment” and engaging in body-shaming. Lizzo strongly denied the claims, expressing her disappointment on social media. “These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” she wrote. “My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned.”
Lizzo also highlighted that the allegations came from former employees whose own behavior had been previously criticized. “These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have publicly admitted their behavior on tour was inappropriate,” she responded.
The lawsuit and its media attention left the artist emotionally drained, leading her to take a step back from the spotlight. “I’m getting tired of being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet,” she shared on Instagram in March. “All I want is to make music and make people happy.”
Despite the controversy, Lizzo is determined to continue her career without letting negativity weigh her down. She revealed her plans for a “gap year” to focus on her peace, but clarified she’s not quitting music. “I’m going to keep being me,” she affirmed.
With her faith and new boundaries guiding her, Lizzo is more focused than ever on protecting her mental health. “Only God can cancel me now,” she reiterated, signaling her resilience in the face of criticism.