The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Lizzo says lack of diversity in magazines took a 'greater toll' on her mental health than bullies
Singer recalls feeling as though there was 'something wrong' with the way she looked
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lizzo has opened up about how the lack of size-inclusive media representation negatively impacted her mental health when she was growing up.
In an interview with British Vogue for its December issue, the singer explained that she used to feel as though there was something wrong with her.
“I would watch things on television and I would look at magazines and I would not see myself,” Lizzo told the publication.
"When you don't see yourself, you start to think something's wrong with you."
The "Good as Hell" singer, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, added that the lack of diversity eventually took a “toll” on her mental health.
“You want to look like those things and when you realise it's a physical impossibility, you start to think, 'What the f*** is wrong with me?'
“I think that took a greater toll on me, psychologically, growing up than what anyone could have said to me.”
Lizzo also spoke about her experience with anxiety, revealing she channels any negative feelings into her performances.
“When I get really, really anxious before a show, I just go harder and harder and harder when I'm performing and I just go crazy,” Lizzo said.
"I don't know why, but my anxiety sometimes fuels who I am as a performer and who I am as an artist – and I know that is not the case for everyone."
The 31-year-old singer added: “I think if I was 21 right now, I would not be able to maintain this lifestyle without having major anxiety and panic attacks."
This isn’t the first time Lizzo has shared her thoughts about media representation and the body positivity movement.
Earlier this year, the singer called out the double standard she sees in Hollywood and the beauty industry.
“When people look at my body and be like, ‘Oh my God, she’s so brave,’ it’s like, ‘No, I’m not.’ I’m just fine. I’m just me. I’m just sexy,” she told Glamour magazine.
Lizzo explained the double standard happens whenever she gets called “brave” for doing the same things a thinner woman would do without it being noteable.
“If you saw Anne Hathaway in a bikini on a billboard, you wouldn’t call her brave. I just think there’s a double standard when it comes to women,” she added.
“I don’t like it when people think it’s hard for me to see myself as beautiful. I don’t like it when people are shocked that I’m doing it."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments