Lizzo has shared a defiant message to her fans: "I QUIT".
The 35-year-old Emmy and Grammy award-winning artist took to Instagram on Friday (March 29) to share what appears to be a momentous announcement fueled by mounting frustrations.
In a candid text post, Lizzo - real name Melissa Jefferson - wrote: "I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet." She passionately stated that her desire has always been about wanting to create music, uplift spirits, and contribute positively to the world.
However, she sadly expressed: "But I'm starting to feel like the world doesn't want me in it."
Expressing the toll of relentless scrutiny, the 'About Damn Time' singer wrote: "I’m constantly up against lies being told about me for clout and views […] being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look."
Lizzo continued to bare her soul, revealing the anguish of having her character dissected and disrespected by strangers.
She signed off the post with an emphatic: "I QUIT", followed by a "peace out" emoji.
Following her heartfelt post, an outpouring of support flooded in the post's comments section - with many famous names voicing their support for the singer.
Paris Hilton declared: "We love you Queen," and Kiara Mooring - a contestant from Lizzo’s reality show - urged the star to persevere: "Can’t let the haters win, Mama Lizzo. You are loved: keep going."
RuPaul's Drag Race star Asia O'Hara added: "Although we don’t deserve you, will still need you."
Lizzo shot to international fame in the late 2010s with chart-topping hits like 'Truth Hurts' and 'Good as Hell'. Her unapologetic embrace of her size and fashion choices positioned her as a symbol of body positivity.
However, she has constantly been the victim of fat-shaming comments from online trolls.
Per the LA Times, Lizzo locked her X (formerly Twitter) account last year following a barrage of disrespectful comments from social media users.
"I HATE IT HERE," she tweeted, before adding: "Y’all don’t know how close I be to giving up on everyone and quitting and enjoying my money and my man on a F— FARM."
She followed up her frustration on Instagram, writing in a post: "Will never shut up about how difficult yall make it for fat people to simply exist. Minding your business is *free* If the Internet was limited and one comment took 24hrs to post I wonder what social media would be like."
However, as well as abuse from online trolls, Lizzo has also been hit by lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment.
In a lengthy statement shared to social media, Lizzo wrote in response to the legal complaints: "These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized.
"Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed."
She added: "These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.
"As an artist I have always been very passionate about what I do. I take my music and my performances seriously because at the end of the day I only want to put out the best art that represents me and my fans. With passion comes hard work and high standards. Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it's never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren't valued as an important part of the team.
"I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days. 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.
"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 criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.
"I'm hurt but I will not let the good work I've done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time."
In another response to Friday's Instagram message, there are some who believe that Lizzo was not declaring her "quitting" the music industry, but instead preparing to release a new single.
"When does “I Quit” come out on Spotify?" one person asked.
I guess we'll all just have to wait and see where this leads.
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