After nearly two years away from the stage, Lizzo has made her live performance comeback, addressing the personal and legal battles that pushed her into what she described as a “dark depression.”
The Grammy-winning artist performed in Los Angeles, where she opened up about the emotional toll of the past two years, revealing that she went through a period where she “didn’t want to live anymore.”
Her return to performing marks a significant moment for both her career and personal healing, as she attempts to move forward from the controversies that have clouded her public image.
During her performance at The Wiltern in LA, Lizzo spoke candidly to her fans about the support and love that helped her through the darkest moments. She recounted a particularly touching experience when a stranger at a concert she attended gave her a hug and told her they loved her.
That small moment of kindness, she said, became a catalyst for her recovery. “Then it was 10 people, then 100… then 1,000… then it was 10,000 people showering me with love and support—this is the kind of love you can only get in real life,” she told the audience, her voice filled with emotion.
Lizzo’s legal troubles began in August 2023, when three of her former backup dancers filed a lawsuit accusing her of sexual harassment and fat-shaming.
The lawsuit also included allegations of religious and racial discrimination, assault, false imprisonment, and fostering a hostile work environment.
These accusations shocked the music industry and led to intense public scrutiny of Lizzo, who had built her brand around body positivity and empowerment.
In response to the lawsuit, Lizzo strongly denied the claims, calling them “sensationalized stories” from former employees who had already admitted to inappropriate and unprofessional behavior on tour.
She and her Big Grrrl Big Touring company have since requested the court dismiss the allegations, arguing that the accusations lack merit and were an attempt to damage her reputation. Despite her denial, the case continues to unfold, with the dancers seeking a jury trial.
Adding to her legal woes, Lizzo became embroiled in another lawsuit, this time with a former stylist, Asha Daniels, who accused members of Lizzo’s management team of racial and sexual harassment, fostering a hostile work environment, and failing to pay overtime wages.
Daniels claimed that while she was working on Lizzo’s tour in 2023, she experienced mistreatment and discrimination. This lawsuit further complicated Lizzo’s public image, as more allegations of misconduct surfaced against her team.
In December 2024, however, Lizzo secured a legal victory in the case involving Asha Daniels. A federal judge in Los Angeles ruled that Lizzo could not be sued as an individual, meaning she was personally removed from the case.
However, her Big Grrrl Big Touring company remains a defendant in the ongoing lawsuit, which means the case is far from over.
This ruling was a partial win for Lizzo, but it did little to silence the critics who have questioned the workplace culture within her team.
Despite the controversies, Lizzo has not backed down from her music career. She recently released two new singles as part of her effort to reestablish herself as a leading artist in the industry.
The releases signal that she is ready to move forward, using her music as a form of self-expression and healing. Many fans have stood by her throughout the scandal, believing that she deserves a chance to tell her side of the story through her art.
During her comeback performance in Los Angeles, Lizzo took a moment to address others struggling with mental health. She urged anyone experiencing depression to “reach out” for help, acknowledging how difficult it can be to take that step. “I say it because it’s so hard to do,” she admitted, emphasizing that no one should suffer in silence.
Her vulnerability on stage resonated with many in the audience, reinforcing the deep connection she has built with her fanbase.
The controversy surrounding Lizzo has divided public opinion. While some believe she is being unfairly targeted and taken out of context, others argue that the accusations should not be dismissed lightly.
The ongoing lawsuits have prompted broader discussions about power dynamics in the entertainment industry, workplace environments, and the responsibilities of celebrities who advocate for inclusivity and empowerment.
Looking ahead, Lizzo is preparing for more performances in New York and Minneapolis, continuing her efforts to reclaim her career.
Whether she can fully recover from the damage these allegations have caused remains to be seen, but her willingness to face her struggles head-on has shown a level of resilience that many admire.
As the legal battles continue, Lizzo’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—she is determined not to let controversy define her.
Through music, live performances, and personal growth, she is working to reclaim her narrative and move forward on her own terms.
For now, she is focused on what she does best: making music, connecting with fans, and spreading the message of self-love and perseverance.
