Lizzo's holiday to-do list probably doesn't include "addressing the rampant body-shaming comments on social media." Unfortunately, the three-time Grammy winner had to take time off from her regular engagements to do just that on Friday, January 6. Clearly fed up, she filmed a passionate video on the beach discussing the "discussion around bodies" and even offered up a paid solution to check people bringing in unwanted and unpopular opinions The habit of visiting other people’s social media pages.
"We're officially tired of the body conversation," Lizzo began, clapping her hands for emphasis. “The discussion around the body is tired .”
To illustrate her point, the "About Damn Time" singer gave several examples of various body-shaming comments she's seen, showing that any noise isn't helpful and there's no way to win. One might say, "Oh my gosh, I liked you when you were younger. Why do you need to lose weight?", even though others tell her, "You need to lose weight...but for your health."
"Are we okay?" Lizzo asked. "Do you see the illusion? Do we realize that artists are not here to conform to your standards of beauty? Artists are here to make art! And this body is art. I will do whatever I want with this body ”
View on Instagram
The criticism has become a big problem for Lizzo, and she believes sweeping changes may be needed. "I hope these comments get you all to spend money so we can see how much time we waste on the wrong things," she told followers. Her caption reiterated her thoughts, saying, "If we had to pay for every comment we post on social media, maybe people would think before they type." Since that's not an option just yet, though, Lizzo Her video ends with an appeal: "Can we leave that stuff in there?"
Embracing her body and being unapologetic about who she is, Lizzo has long been the target of body-shaming comments — and not just online. In early October, Kanye West felt the need to share his thoughts on his body during an interview with Tucker Carlson. After mentioning Lizzo, the rapper said, "The media wants to convey the idea that being overweight is the new goal, when in fact it's unhealthy," per Page Six. He further added: "It's actually clinically unhealthy. It's evil for people to promote this."
The day after West's comments, Lizzo seemed understandably frustrated and made scathing comments at an Oct. 8 concert in Toronto. "I feel like everyone in America has my fucking name on their lips for no fucking reason," she told viewers, per E!. "All I care about is my fat, dark, beautiful business."
The musician was supported by many voices, then and now. Lizzo's video, which she posted on Jan. 6, attracted comments from celebrities who wanted to let her know they agreed with her point of view. "Preachy," wrote actor Kristen Bell, while singer Candace Nicholas-Lipman added, "'This body is art.'" Yes ma'am. Meanwhile, The Rescuers ' Jonathan Van Ness commented, "F*ck yesssss," and Jersey Shore vet Nicole "Snooki" LaValle wrote, "THISSSSSSSS Queen." "
