Lizzo Reveals She Struggled With Depression and Felt “Paranoid and Isolated” After Ex-Dancers Filed Sexual Harassment and Body-Shaming Lawsuit Against Her

Lizzo Opens Up About Depression and Isolation After Lawsuit

The Grammy-winning artist Lizzo is reflecting on one of the darkest periods of her life, a year and a half after falling into a deep depression. In a candid interview for Women’s Health summer issue, she shared how her mental health plummeted in the summer of 2023, coinciding with a lawsuit filed by three of her former dancers.

“You start questioning everything and everyone you’ve ever known,” Lizzo told Women’s Health. “I became paranoid and withdrawn. I used to be so open with my team, telling funny stories. Suddenly, I couldn’t do that anymore. I pushed people away, even my therapist.”

A Lawsuit That Shook Her World

In August 2023, former dancers Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis, and Noelle Rodriguez filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court accusing Lizzo of sexual harassment and fostering a toxic work environment. The allegations included claims that Lizzo pressured dancers to engage with nude performers in Amsterdam and mocked their weight.

The suit named Lizzo, her company Big Grrrl Big Touring, and dance captain Shirlene Quigley as defendants. Lizzo denied the accusations, posting on Instagram: “These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. The false claims are as unbelievable as they sound, and I cannot remain silent.”

Struggling With Mental Health

The backlash took a toll on Lizzo’s emotional well-being. “I wasn’t myself anymore. I wasn’t present. I felt like I wanted to disappear,” she admitted. Though she never contemplated suicide, she confessed to wondering what the point of living was if “everyone thinks you’re a terrible person.”

Steps Toward Healing

By May 2024, Lizzo shared a glimmer of hope with fans, writing on Instagram, “I’m the happiest I’ve been in 10 months. The strange thing about depression is that you don’t realize you’re in it until you’re out.”

In March 2025, during a Los Angeles concert, Lizzo spoke about how her struggle inspired the name of her upcoming album, Love in Real Life. “About a year and a half ago, I was in such a deep depression. I didn’t want to live. But eventually, I got over that fear.”

She recounted a turning point when a stranger hugged her at a concert during her period of isolation. “It felt so damn good. It was life-saving,” she said.

Legal Battle Continues

In May 2025, Lizzo appealed a court ruling that allowed parts of the lawsuit to proceed. She argued the case was an attack on her right to perform and advocate for body positivity. While Judge Mark Epstein dismissed some claims, including fat-shaming accusations, other allegations remain and could head to trial.

Now, Lizzo says she’s focused on healing and moving forward, ready to reclaim her voice and her place in the spotlight.