After two years away from the public stage, Lizzo has her first concert and opens up about her bouts with depression, admitting, "I didn't want to live anymore."
RELATED: Lizzo Requests For Dismissal Of Her Three Former Dancers' Lawsuit: 'Any And All Claims To The Contrary Are Ridiculous'
During a concert at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on March 12, the "Truth Hurts" singer spoke about her struggles with depression in 2023. The singer first opened up about her bouts with depression and mental health struggles last year.
But in August 2023, she was sued by former backup dancers on allegations of racial and sexual harassment, bullying, and a toxic workplace environment. The plaintiffs included Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez. Since the allegations and lawsuits broke, Lizzo has vehemently denied all claims against her. In September 2023, Lizzo requested for a judge to dismiss her three former dancers' lawsuit. She claimed, "Any and all claims to the contrary are ridiculous."
In early December 2023, Lizzo then asked a judge to dismiss a harassment lawsuit filed by her former wardrobe stylist, Asha Daniels. In December 2024, a California judge dismissed several claims against Lizzo. Later that month, Lizzo spoke on Keke Palmer's podcast. During the conversation, she claimed she was "dismissed" from the lawsuit and that the case was "not dropped."
RELATED: Lizzo Asks Judge To Dismiss Harassment Lawsuit From Former Wardrobe Stylist
However, Daniels' lawyer Ron Zambrano spoke with PEOPLE and called Lizzo's explanation of the ruling incorrect. He said:
"A judge saw this, and in the court of law, he looked at the evidence and said, 'OK. We can't allow this to go through.' The lawsuit is still very active and has not been dismissed. The ruling was not for lack of evidence, but rather on procedural jurisdictional grounds. It by no means absolves Lizzo of the egregious claims that occurred on her watch.
All individually named defendants were dismissed because of the jurisdictional limits of Title VII and FLSA claims that no individual can be liable for those claims. Ergo, no individuals, be it Lizzo or the person sweeping the floor behind her, can be a defendant under the FLSA or Title VII. This is the reason Lizzo and her tour manager were dismissed from the case.
It had nothing to do with the merits of the claims. The lawsuit still moves forward against Lizzo's company, Big Grrl Touring, as to all claims except for the overtime allegation. The Ninth Cause of Action for Unpaid Overtime was also dismissed for jurisdictional, not evidentiary reasons, given claims for unpaid overtime only apply for work done within the United States. Lizzo and her tour manager will still be deposed in connection with the lawsuit."
Meanwhile, the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Lizzo's three dancers was put on hold in March 2024 after the singer appealed a decision by the judge that largely rejected her efforts to dismiss the lawsuit under California's SLAPP law, according to Billboard. The lawsuits are still ongoing.
RELATED: California Judge Dismisses Several Claims Against Lizzo In Harassment Lawsuit
As mentioned, last year, in April 2024, Lizzo opened up about her physical and mental health. She suggested that she was quitting the music industry. However, she then clarified that it was only the negativity that she planned to leave behind. Now during her March 12 show, Lizzo again spoke about her mental health struggles.
According to videos shared on social media, towards the end of Lizzo's first public concert in 2 years, she spoke about mental health and depression, and explained the inspiration behind her upcoming album's title, 'Love in Real Life.' She says:
"I named it that because about a year and a half ago -- it's so hard for me to talk about -- I was in such a dark, deep depression. I was so heartbroken by the world and so deeply hurt that I didn't want to live anymore, and I was so deeply afraid of people that I didn't want to be seen. Eventually, I got over that fear. As I was walking through the crowd to get to my spot, something miraculous happened. Somebody, who I didn't know, looked at me and said, 'Lizzo, I love you.' And they reached out, and I reached back, and we hugged, and it felt so damn good."
RELATED: Lizzo Discusses Dismissed Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Filed By Former Dancers: 'All Of This Came Out Nowhere'
During her first public concert in 2 years, Lizzo called the eye-opening moment "f***ing life-saving," and proceeded to tell the crowd, "And after that experience, I was like, 'Damn, you can't get this sh*t on the internet, bro. This is the kind of love you can only get in real life. And I don't share that story to gain some sort of sympathy. We're beyond that, b*tch. Look at me!"
The singer says she hopes her story could be helpful to anyone dealing with "depression, or darkness." Or to anyone who "felt so betrayed by someone they trusted or was lied on and hated on for those lies." Lizzo adds:
"If you're depressed, reach out to someone who will listen. If you're mad about the government, reach out to someone else who's mad about the government and f**king organize. If you hate the way you look, reach out to someone who loves you and who will tell you, 'You are f***king beautiful as you are right now, no matter how your body changes.' Because you may not believe, but you are special."
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