Lizzo addressed the recent bullying and criticism she has dealt with during an appearance on Good Morning America on Wednesday.
The musician opened up about struggling to feel heard and accepted in an environment that is not always supportive and why these hateful comments are surfacing. Lizzo said despite Black women being innovators in the industry, “We are the ones who do suffer from the marginalization the most and the erasure the most.”
The Grammy-winning singer admitted that without the internet or social media it is possible she would have been “erased.” She added, “But I chose to be undeniable and I chose to be loud and I chose to be great. And I’m still here.”
Her sit down with GMA followed her now-deleted emotional Instagram live where she revealed she has received “fat-phobic” and “racist” comments after releasing her new single “Rumors” featuring Cardi B.
In the video, Lizzo explained that she can handle critiques about her music, but she will not accept attacks against her appearance. She reiterated this sentiment on GMA. “I don’t even mind the fat comments. I just feel like it’s unfair sometimes — the treatment that people like me receive,” she said.
She also addressed some critics who say she shouldn’t let the world see her affected by hate. She said, “My head is always up even when I’m upset and even when I’m crying. … But I know it’s my job as an artist to reflect the times, and this shit should not fly. This shouldn’t be OK.”
She does not consider being hurt over negative remarks to be a sign of weakness, adding that vulnerability is “sexy” and “extremely powerful.” She reminds herself and her fans to practice self-love during tough days. Lizzo posted a clip from the interview on her Instagram along with the caption, “I’M STILL HERE.”
Following the singer’s Instagram Live video, Instagram and Facebook removed several hateful comments on Lizzo’s accounts, with a Facebook spokesperson confirming to Billboard that the comments go against Facebook and Instagram’s rules against hate speech and harassment.
This article originally appeared in THR.com.
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