Lizzo Says 2023 Dancers' Lawsuit Overshadowed Bitch as Album Missed Top 100
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 11
Lizzo Says 2023 Dancers' Lawsuit Overshadowed Bitch as Album Missed Top 100
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 11
Summary
Lizzo said the scrutiny triggered by three former dancers’ 2023 lawsuit has eclipsed her music, arguing criticism of her new album Bitch is driven more by views of her than by the songs.
Bitch failed to reach the top 100 in the US or Britain after her previous two albums each sold more than 1 million units, a slump she links to the scandal and broader fame backlash.
The lawsuit, filed two days after her 80-show world tour ended, accused Lizzo of sexual harassment, discrimination and a hostile work environment; she denies the claims and has refused to settle.
A judge last December dismissed the fat-shaming claim from the case, but other allegations are still proceeding, leaving the legal fight unresolved even as Lizzo says the episode is "so behind me."
Lizzo said the fallout left her deeply depressed and at times suicidal, and that she now separates the public persona "Lizzo" from Melissa Jefferson to protect herself.
With 18 staff defending her, why could a lawsuit from three dancers derail Lizzo's entire career?
Can Lizzo's empowerment brand survive a fat-shaming lawsuit in the new cultural era of Ozempic?
From Grammy Winner to Chart Struggles: Lizzo’s “Bitch” Album, Lawsuits, and Public Backlash (2023–2026)
Overview
Lizzo released her fifth studio album, *Bitch*, in June 2026, but it had a disappointing debut, landing at No. 46 on the Top Album Sales chart and ranking below Jeff Goldblum’s album that week. This poor performance was a sharp contrast to her earlier success and led to public support from fellow artist SZA. The album’s struggles sparked online discussions about Lizzo’s career, with Lizzo herself addressing negative terms used against her and defending her achievements. These events, combined with ongoing legal battles, contributed to a challenging period for Lizzo’s public image and career momentum.