Lizzo is opening up about her mental health journey in a deeply personal way. During her performance at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 12, the Grammy-winning artist revealed her struggles with depression in 2023 and how she overcame one of the darkest periods of her life.
Lizzo’s Emotional Confession
As the concert neared its conclusion, Lizzo took a moment to share the personal inspiration behind her upcoming album, Love in Real Life. The singer, known for her messages of self-love and empowerment, gave fans an unfiltered look into the pain she endured over the past year.
“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,” Lizzo admitted to the audience. “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.”
Her heartfelt words resonated with many, especially as she has long been an advocate for mental health awareness and self-care.
A Life-Changing Moment
Lizzo went on to describe a powerful, unexpected experience that helped her reconnect with love and humanity at a crucial time. While attending a concert, she had a transformative interaction with a stranger that shifted her perspective.
“As I was walking through the crowd to get to my spot, something miraculous happened,” she recalled. “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.”
She described this encounter as a turning point, realizing that real, tangible love exists outside of social media and the harsh world of online criticism.
“And after that experience, I was like, ‘Damn, you can’t get this s— on the internet, bro,’” Lizzo continued. “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!”
Overcoming Betrayal and Public Scrutiny
Lizzo’s struggles weren’t just internal. She alluded to the highly publicized lawsuit filed against her by former backup dancers, accusing her of harassment and a toxic work environment. One of the cases was later dismissed, but the controversy took a toll on her emotionally.
“The depression, or darkness, came as a result of being betrayed by someone I trusted or being lied on and hated on for those lies,” she stated, hinting at the personal pain behind the headlines.
Despite the hardships, Lizzo emphasized the importance of resilience and finding love and support in the real world rather than through fleeting online validation.
A Message of Hope and Advocacy
Before wrapping up, Lizzo urged her audience to check in on their loved ones and take action in the face of adversity.
“If you’re depressed, reach out to someone who will listen,” she encouraged. “If you’re mad about the government, reach out to someone else who’s mad about the government and f-i**kng organize.”
Her words struck a chord with many, highlighting the power of community, activism, and human connection in battling personal struggles.
‘Love in Real Life’ – A New Chapter for Lizzo
Lizzo’s upcoming album, Love in Real Life, is set to drop on Friday, March 14. Based on her revelations, the project promises to be a deeply personal and emotional journey that reflects her battles, triumphs, and ultimate rediscovery of love beyond the digital world.
As she continues to heal and grow, Lizzo remains a beacon of strength for her fans, using her platform to inspire self-acceptance and resilience. With Love in Real Life, she invites the world to embrace the power of genuine human connection—something she now knows can be life-changing.
