Lizzo Reveals the Real Story Behind Her Career Break: Lawsuit, Mental Health, and a Creative Comeback

Lizzo Opens Up About the Turbulent Year That Forced Her to Step Back

The last year has been anything but smooth for Lizzo. The singer, known for her powerhouse vocals and energetic stage presence, found herself in the middle of a storm in August 2023 when three former backup dancers accused her of sexual harassment and a toxic workplace. The lawsuit landed like a bombshell, catapulting her private battles into public view.

The legal showdown stirred up more than just headlines. For Lizzo, it meant grappling with intense anxiety that would eventually force her to pause her breakneck career pace. She decided to take what she calls a 'gap year'—a full stop to reassess, recalibrate, and heal. Public appearances became rare as she redirected her attention inward, away from the relentless spotlight.

How Lizzo Faced Her Mental Health Battles and Redefined Herself

Amid the legal chaos, Lizzo encountered her first panic attack—something she admits was a jarring new symptom of anxiety she had always managed to keep at bay. Instead of letting it spiral, she dove deep into self-care. Meditation, sound bowls, journaling, and exercise became more than just hobbies; they were her life rafts. These practices grounded her when social media and tabloid chatter threatened to consume her.

But Lizzo didn’t just retreat—she threw herself into what she calls her real job: making music. By October 2023, she was back in the studio, spending the better part of a year pouring her experiences—both painful and healing—into her upcoming album, Love In Real Life. This new project is more than just a musical comeback; to Lizzo, it's proof she's still in charge of her own story. She made it clear: music isn't a side hustle—it's her purpose and motivation for stepping back onto the public stage.

Beyond the legal mess and mental health roadblocks, Lizzo tackled another elephant in the room: body image. For years, the media has focused on her appearance almost as much as her artistry. But during her break, Lizzo flipped the script. In candid conversations with her boyfriend, Myke Wright, she realized that obsessing over losing weight missed the point. It's not about the numbers on a scale, she says—it's about embracing a 'mental reframe.' By playing to win instead of just trying to lose, she found a healthier, more empowering approach. Now, she calls herself 'the author of my story,' not just in music but in life.

Lizzo’s journey back isn’t a classic redemption arc—she’s not out to please critics or silence all dissent. She’s putting her mental health first, repairing her creative confidence, and prioritizing what really matters: authentic self-expression and meaningful music. The past year has changed her, but it hasn’t broken her. If anything, it’s made her more determined to share her story on her own terms.