Grammy-winning artist Lizzo is finally breaking her silence on the emotional toll of the sexual harassment lawsuits filed against her in 2023 — and the dark mental space they pushed her into. In a raw and deeply personal interview with Women’s Health US, the 37-year-old singer admitted she became “paranoid and isolated,” and at one point felt like she “could die.”
“I Wasn’t Myself Anymore”
Following the shocking allegations from some of her former backup dancers — who claimed she created an abusive work environment involving sexual harassment and weight-shaming — Lizzo said she withdrew completely, even from therapy.
“I pushed everyone away. I wasn’t present. I wasn’t open. I wasn’t myself anymore,” she shared.
She described spiraling into deep self-doubt, questioning everything and everyone she had ever known:
“You look around and think about every person you’ve ever known and every experience, and you wonder, ‘Was that real?’”
While Lizzo emphasized she never considered suicide, she confessed that she did reach a point where she asked herself what the point of living was.
“If everyone hates you and thinks you’re a terrible person, then what’s the point?”
How Beyoncé Helped Pull Her Back
The turning point came unexpectedly — at Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour. Lizzo revealed that she nervously attended one of the shows, terrified she might be booed. But instead, the crowd’s energy and love reminded her that life was still worth living.
“It made me feel like, ‘Wow, maybe I don’t want to die. Life is worth living.’ That was the kick-starter to me being like, ‘Okay Melissa, get your ass in gear and take your f***ing life back.’”
From Isolation to Healing
Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, says she spent a long period sitting with herself in solitude. But that single night out changed everything. It reignited a spark and gave her the strength to reclaim her sense of self.
While Lizzo continues to deny all allegations made against her, her latest statements highlight just how much the public scandal affected her mental health and identity.
Now, she appears to be finding her way back — one honest step at a time.
