Lizzo announces “taking a gap year” in a getaway post with SZA

Lizzo, aka Melissa Viviane Jefferson, announced that she will be taking a break from music in an Instagram update on Sunday, August 25. The American rapper released her last album, titled Special, in 2022, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 list. It featured About Damn Time, which was at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

“I’m taking a gap year & protecting my peace,” announced the rapper on Instagram.

The Good As Hell singer also updated her fans on her Bali trip with SZA, elaborating on her fitness journey in Indonesia. In one of the Instagram Stories, she was doing jump-ropes on a balcony in Bali. The sped-up footage made the clip even more impressive.

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Lizzo shuts down negativity with bold Instagram update

On March 29, Lizzo posted a note on Instagram declaring 'I QUIT' in all caps. The American rapper announced that she was tired of the negative energy on the internet and felt like fans didn't need her music anymore.

“I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the Internet. All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it. But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it," declared the rapper.

The 36-year-old lamented being body-shamed by people on the internet and expressed that she was tired of people using her name for fake clout.

"“Being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look… my character being picked apart by people who don’t know me and disrespecting my name. I didn’t sign up for this sh*t. I QUIT" concluded the rapper.

Although she never clarified the instances of social media harassment, the last few months had been difficult for the rapper. In August 2023, she was accused of workplace harassment and sexual misconduct by three tour dancers. Although the rapper refuted the claims, it blew up on social media.

After her 'I QUIT' message on Instagram, the plaintiff's attorney, Ron Zambrano, took a dig at her.

“It’s a joke that Lizzo would say she is being bullied by the internet when she should instead be taking an honest look at herself … Her latest post is just another outburst seeking attention and trying to deflect from her own failings as she continues to blame everyone else for the predicament she is in,” read the statement from Zambrano.

At the World Premiere Of "Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé" (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty))

Lizzo's lawyer quickly pointed out that 'nearly half the case' was allegedly dismissed, and 18 witnesses had sided with the rapper. He accused Zambrano of personal attacks on Lizzo, who allegedly had no connection with the tour dancers he represented.

Her fans thought that the singer had quit music for good after her Instagram post. However, Lizzo posted another Instagram Story on April 2, explaining her original intention behind the update. Clad in an aquamarine bodysuit, the rapper clarified:

“I just need to clarify — when I say I quit, I mean, I quit giving any negative energy attention. What I’m not gonna quit is the joy of my life, which is making music, which is connecting with people.”

The rapper ended her statement on a positive note. She told her fans that she would keep making music and "moving forward" regardless of the widespread negativity.