Open Letter to Lizzo

Your brilliance shines through the hate.

Dear Lizzo:

First off, I woke up this morning choosing violence. Why? Because I watched your Instagram Live and saw you cry. I want to slap each and every one of those trolls who brought you to tears. I know you’re angry. I know you’re disappointed. But I want you to know that millions of fans appreciate who you are and what you do.

You said that you’ve read messages from “fatphobic” and “racist” trolls. Stop reading those posts. They’re not good for your mental health. And that’s what those trolls want to do. They want to destroy your spirit. You must understand that there are people in this world who hate you for being Black, for being a woman, for being thicc, and for being rich and successful. You’re living your best life and people are losing their minds because of it.

I follow you on Tik Tok and Instagram. I love your posts, especially the ones where you are enjoying a meal. You have been on a healthy eating journey, enjoying a variety of vegan meals. The change in diet has helped you with weight loss as well. Your skin glows. Your figure is more curvaceous. You look happier. You’ve inspired me to work on my body.

But I know you’re not doing this for your fans or the trolls. You’re making healthier choices for yourself. How you feel about yourself is what matters. You want to see your beauty every time you look in the mirror. You want to see your progress. Because you’re accountable for how you treat yourself. No one else. You.

I watched the video with you and Cardi B, “Rumors.” I enjoyed the video. It was a homage to the lovely characters who sang in the Disney movie, “Hercules.” I always thought those ladies deserved more screen time. They were funny and talented. They were the muses. Disney was wise to make them Black women. The world was born from our wombs.

I know your latest song and video received mixed reviews. It can hurt when your hard work isn’t appreciated. But your work inspires so many people. Please know this to be true. I, for one, have been humming the song all weekend. Your music brings me joy.

So ignore the idiots. Those trolls who haven’t done anything with their lives. They don’t deserve your attention or your tears. Use those emotions to rise up stronger, to sing more, to show out in all your glorious self. Let those trolls see that their hate continues to make you great. You are beautiful and I believe in you.

Thank you for all that you do, Lizzo!