Lizzo announces that she needs a break: “I quit”

“I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet. All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it. But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it," she wrote in a post on her social media page. "I’m constantly up against lies being told about me for clout & views… being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look… my character being picked apart by people who don’t know me and disrespecting my name.”

Lizzo has not clarified whether she is taking a break from music, or simply from being online, but it appears to be in response to the backlash she has faced since being accused of sexual harassment and weight-shaming by former dancers, who were filing a lawsuit against her. The dancers – Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez – alleged that Lizzo created a hostile work environment and pressured staff at afterparties.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

At the time she shared a statement, writing: "The last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticised. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed."

I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not," she continues, alluding to the sexual harassment allegations. "There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticise or terminate an employee because of their weight."

Her Big Grrrl dancers shared their support in an open letter, following this, as well as Grimes who showed her support for Lizzo. Lizzo has attempted to get the lawsuit against her thrown out, but the request was denied by the judge and the case is moving forward.