When Lizzo posted on Instagram that she was “starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it,” fans were understandably alarmed. The message conveyed deep frustration and exhaustion, culminating in the declaration, “I QUIT.” For an artist who has built her career on spreading positivity and self-love, these words felt especially jarring.
Lizzo performed in Denmark in July 2023.Credit…Epa-Efe/EPA, via Shutterstock
In a follow-up video, Lizzo clarified that she is not quitting music. Instead, she explained that she is stepping away from the negativity that has been weighing her down. “What I’m not going to quit is the joy of my life, which is making music, which is connecting to people,” Lizzo said. She emphasized that her decision to “quit” was not about abandoning her career, but about refusing to let negative energy take control of her life.
Lizzo’s message in the video was clear: she’s here to stay, and she’s here to spread positivity. She acknowledged that the negative voices can sometimes feel louder than the positive ones, but she’s determined to continue making music that uplifts and inspires. “If I can just give one person the inspiration or motivation to stand up for themselves, and say they quit letting negative people win, then I’ve done even more than I could’ve hoped for,” she stated.
Lizzo’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite her success, she has faced criticism, including allegations of creating a hostile work environment on tour. In August 2023, three former dancers filed a lawsuit against her, claiming that she fostered an unhealthy work environment. Lizzo has denied these allegations, and while some claims were dismissed by a judge, the case is set to go to trial.
Another point of contention has been the perceived contradiction between Lizzo’s promotion of body positivity and her shapewear line, Yitty, which she launched in 2022. Critics argue that selling shapewear while advocating for self-love sends mixed messages. Lizzo, however, has defended her brand, explaining that Yitty is about empowerment and choice, offering women the freedom to feel confident in whatever they choose to wear.
Lizzo’s struggles with online negativity are not new. In 2023, she made her Twitter account private multiple times due to the relentless comments about her weight. Social media, while a powerful tool for connection and promotion, has also been a source of significant stress for the artist. Her recent “I QUIT” post can be seen as a culmination of this ongoing battle with public scrutiny.
Despite the challenges, Lizzo has remained resilient. Her decision to publicly address the negativity she faces, rather than retreat from it, demonstrates her strength and commitment to her message of positivity and self-empowerment. By sharing her struggles, she continues to connect with her fans on a deeper level, reminding them that it’s okay to struggle and that it’s possible to rise above it.
Lizzo’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and setting boundaries, even for those in the public eye. By choosing to focus on her joy and creativity, she’s setting an example for others to follow. Her message is one of hope, resilience, and the power of choosing positivity in the face of adversity.
As Lizzo moves forward, her focus remains on making music and connecting with her audience. Fans can look forward to more of the infectious energy and empowering anthems that have made her a global superstar. And while the road may not always be smooth, Lizzo’s commitment to her craft and her fans is unwavering.
Lizzo’s recent social media post might have caused some confusion, but her message is now clear: she’s not quitting music, she’s quitting negativity. By choosing to focus on the positive aspects of her life and career, Lizzo continues to inspire her fans to do the same. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself, no matter what challenges arise.
