Lizzo Opens Up About Her Battle with Depression in Heartfelt Los Angeles Performance

Lizzo is being open about her psychological well-being.

At a performance at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on March 12, the “Truth Hurts” artist discussed her battle with despair in 2023. She faced lawsuits from previous backup dancers accusing her of harassment and a toxic work atmosphere in August of that year, which she has refuted.

Near the conclusion of the concert, as captured in videos circulated on social platforms, Lizzo began discussing mental wellness while sharing the inspiration for the title of her forthcoming album, Love in Real Life.

“I chose that name because about a year and a half ago — it’s incredibly tough for me to discuss — I was in such a dark, profound depression,” she conveyed to the audience. “I was so shattered by the world and deeply wounded that I didn’t want to continue living, and I was so immensely scared of people that I didn’t want to be visible. Eventually, I overcame that fear.”

Lizzo recounted that she experienced a pivotal moment while attending a concert during that period. “As I navigated through the audience to reach my spot, something miraculous occurred. A stranger, whom I didn’t know, looked at me and said, ‘Lizzo, I adore you.’ They reached out, and I responded, and we embraced, and it felt so incredibly good,” she shared.

Numerous other fans then rallied to support the “Good as Hell” musician at the event, which was “f—ing life-saving,” she expressed to her admirers. “And following that encounter, I thought, ‘Damn, you can’t find this s— on the internet, bro. This is the type of affection you can only experience in real life. And I don’t share that tale to seek some form of pity. We’ve moved past that, bitch. Look at me!”

She articulated the reason for sharing her story was to hopefully convey the message to anyone who has faced “depression, or darkness, or felt utterly betrayed by someone they trusted or has been lied about and despised because of those falsehoods.”

Lizzo then urged individuals to “reach out” in tough times. “If you’re feeling low, connect with someone who is willing to listen. If you’re upset about the government, reach out to someone else who feels the same anger and f—ing organize,” advised the Grammy winner.

“If you dislike your appearance, connect with someone who cherishes you and will assure you, ‘You are f—ing beautiful just as you are right now, regardless of how your body evolves.’ Because you may not realize it, but you are extraordinary,” Lizzo emphasized.

During the event, she performed a setlist featuring hits like “Juice” and “About Damn Time” as well as “Love in Real Life” and “So Bad,” which releases on March 14.

Currently, Lizzo is contending with several ongoing legal battles initiated by some of her former staff alleging sexual and racial harassment as well as a hostile work environment. She has rejected all allegations.

If you or someone you know requires mental health support, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a qualified crisis counselor.