Lizzo is back in the spotlight with a brand-new New York magazine cover story, and this time she isn’t facing it alone. Her longtime friend and collaborator SZA is stepping up to defend her, offering a rare and emotional perspective on what it means to weather public storms in the entertainment industry.
The “Kill Bill” singer didn’t mince words when reflecting on how the internet and industry critics turned on Lizzo following multiple lawsuits filed against her.
“It was so weird to watch everybody attack her because it actually had nothing to do with what was going on,” SZA explained.
For SZA, Lizzo’s resilience is what sets her apart.
“What’s special about my friend is she is a master healer. She is always going to get to the bottom of herself. Nobody cleared her name for her. Nobody could give her that vindication; she gave it to herself. I just felt like she 100 percent genie’d herself through that.”
Lizzo’s Legal Drama: A Quick Recap
The controversies trace back to 2023, when a former employee, Asha Daniels, filed a lawsuit alleging harassment and discrimination. That case was later dismissed. But another lawsuit, filed by three of Lizzo’s former backup dancers, remains active.
Those dancers have accused the Grammy-winning artist of harassment, disability discrimination, and false imprisonment — allegations that quickly made headlines worldwide and placed Lizzo at the center of heated public debate.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Lizzo has continued working, creating, and finding support from those closest to her.
Friendship That Withstood the Storm
Lizzo and SZA’s friendship hasn’t just survived the drama — it has thrived through it.
- In early 2025, the duo linked up on Lizzo’s My Face Hurts From Smiling mixtape.
- Back in 2023, they recorded the “Special” remix, which became a fan favorite.
- Lizzo even surprised audiences at stops on SZA and Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National Tour, reminding fans of their undeniable chemistry both on and off stage.
Their bond has become a powerful counter-narrative to the criticism Lizzo has faced. While some have turned their backs, SZA has doubled down on support.
Lizzo’s Own Voice: Taking Back Control
In the same New York magazine feature, Lizzo pulled back the curtain on a shelved project, Love in Real Life, much of which was written in 2022.
Reflecting on the creative process, she recalled a pivotal moment of taking back her power:
“I sat down at the table and I said, ‘I need to do s—t my way starting from now. And I need y’all to have my back. It’s going to be a little scary.’”
Her team, she said, agreed wholeheartedly.
“They said, ‘We got your back, whatever you need.’”
For Lizzo, it was a turning point — a chance to remind herself and the industry that she calls the shots in her career, regardless of outside noise.
The Bigger Picture: Why SZA’s Defense Matters
In today’s cancel-driven culture, public figures often find themselves abandoned when controversy strikes. SZA’s unwavering defense of Lizzo is rare and deeply telling. It highlights not just the strength of their friendship, but also the resilience Lizzo has shown as an artist and as a woman navigating intense scrutiny.
As Lizzo pushes forward with her music, her voice, and her truth, the support of people like SZA reinforces what her fans already know: her story isn’t over — it’s still unfolding.
