Lizzo opens up about recent bullying following release of new single 'Rumors'

The singer is coming forward about how hurtful comments can sometimes be.

ByCameron Harrison, Monica Escobedo, and Angeline Jane Bernabe via logo
August 18, 2021, 8:15 AM

Lizzo is known for her hit songs and confidence, but the singer is opening up about how comments from haters on social media are hurtful.

In an interview with “Good Morning America,” the pop singer addressed some of the vitriolic messages that were directed at her following the release of her latest song, “Rumors” with rapper Cardi B.

“I don’t mind critiques about me -- my music,” Lizzo told “GMA.” “I don’t even mind the fat comments, you know. I just feel like it’s unfair sometimes, the treatment that people like me receive.”

PHOTO: In this March 14, 2021, file photo, Lizzo attends the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
In this March 14, 2021, file photo, Lizzo attends the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images, FILE

After the release of her new song, Lizzo took to Instagram in a 13-minute live post -- which is now on YouTube -- about the abuse she said she’s received. The Grammy winner fought back tears as she detailed racist and sexist attacks that made her “hurt so hard.”

“It’s like it doesn’t matter how much positive energy you put into the world, you’re going to have people who have something, something mean to say about you,” Lizzo said in the Instagram post. “It’s fatphobic, it’s racist and it’s hurtful.”

Lizzo told “GMA” that while she’s ignored some of the negativity in the past, it can be hard sometimes.

“People are like, don’t let ‘em see you with your head down,” she said. “My head is always up. Even when I’m upset and even when I’m crying, my head is up. But I know it’s my job as an artist to reflect at times, and this should not fly. This shouldn’t be okay.”

“God doesn’t give me anything I cannot handle,” she said. “And God also gave me the gift to be fearless in my vulnerability, to help inspire people. I don’t ever mean to alarm someone. People just need to know I’ve got this.”

Lizzo, who is gearing up for Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, said despite the haters, said the naysayers and anybody else trying to tear her down hopes her music continues to inspire others. She hopes her fans practice self-love just as she does.

“Just remember that self-love is a journey. It doesn’t happen miraculously one day,” said Lizzo. “It did not happen for me. There are gonna be beautiful days where you’re lookin’ in the mirror-like, ooh, and then there’s days where you’re like, unh-uh. But all of those days is an opportunity to love yourself.”