Lizzo has publicly detailed a severe mental health crisis she experienced during her recent weight release journey. The singer disclosed that she struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts following harassment allegations brought forward by former backup dancers. In a personal essay published on Substack on November 23, Lizzo described feeling isolated, misunderstood, and unable to defend herself. She turned to Pilates and physical movement as a coping mechanism, later redefining her weight loss as emotional healing. Her revelations offer new insight into how she navigated personal turmoil under national scrutiny.
Context & Timeline
Lizzo shared that her mental health deteriorated significantly after a public scandal erupted in 2023. Three former dancers accused her of creating a hostile environment, claims she denied but could not publicly address in detail due to legal constraints.
According to her essay, the pressure triggered intense loneliness and self-doubt. She withdrew from loved ones and struggled daily with overwhelming sadness.
The singer began Pilates later that year as a form of emotional release. She described sessions where she cried after nearly every workout, using physical exertion to process unresolved anger and stress.
Quotes & Reactions
Lizzo wrote that she felt “the whole world had turned its back” on her. She admitted she was “angry every single day” because she felt unable to explain her side publicly.
Mental health specialists online have responded to her essay by noting the importance of reframing body-image narratives. Therapists praised her distinction between weight loss and “weight release,” saying the concept aligns with trauma-informed healing models.
Industry analysts have also commented on how public scrutiny affects artists, noting that Lizzo faced unprecedented backlash during the height of the controversy.
Public, Industry & Personal Outlook
Lizzo’s revelations carry weight for both fans and entertainment professionals. Public figures often face disproportionate criticism, and her essay highlights the private cost of social-media-driven outrage.
Her shift from seeing weight change as “loss” to “release” suggests a strategic reframing of identity and resilience. This approach mirrors the broader cultural conversation around mental health in high-pressure industries.
The essay may also reframe public perception of the singer, presenting her journey as one of emotional endurance rather than aesthetic change.
What’s Next for Lizzo
Lizzo stated that she continues to work on her mental well-being with professional support. She has not announced new music directly connected to the essay but hinted at creative projects shaped by her emotional evolution.
Her touring and recording plans for 2026 remain in development.
As her Substack continues gaining readership, fans can expect more candid writing. Lizzo emphasized that her story is ongoing, and her focus remains on emotional clarity, stability, and reconnecting with supporters.
Lizzo’s candid account of her mental health struggles offers a rare look at the emotional realities behind public controversies. By reframing her weight loss as “weight release,” she highlights a deeper journey toward healing and self-awareness. Lizzo’s openness underscores the importance of mental health within the entertainment industry and signals a more grounded chapter ahead.
Sources
BBC Entertainment
The Hollywood Reporter
AP News
Reuters
Variety
