logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Lizzo Compares Criticism towards her to Backlash Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, & Beyoncé Faced

Junie Sihlangu
Aug 20, 2021
09:20 A.M.

Lizzo released her newest single this month. Unfortunately, amid the excitement of fans, she also got backlash from social media trolls. After becoming emotional about the abuse, the singer faced off with the trolls in a scathing response.

Advertisement

Last Friday, Lizzo released her new song, “Rumors,” that features fellow singer Cardi B. The new release came after two years, and while most of her fans were thrilled, some internet trolls saw an opportunity.

Some people decided to turn the spotlight around by subjecting the singer to fatphobia, racism, and more. Lizzo was even described as an embodiment of the “mammy” stereotype.

Lizzo performs onstage during Made In America at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 1, 2019, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Lizzo performs onstage during Made In America at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 1, 2019, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

The racist term “mammy” is said to be a reference to a caricature of Black women. Cheryl Thompson said it portrays Black women as caregivers who are “rotund, dark-skinned and always happy to please with a smile.”

Some of the most well-known depictions of this stereotype include “Gone with the Wind’s” Hattie McDaniel's role. Other people will also pick up on it on the maid characters in “The Help.”

Advertisement

The stereotype is based on slavery, where Black women were made to seem content with being enslaved. This stereotype led Lizzo to address the abuse via TikTok by sharing a clip that featured a fan.

Advertisement

In the video, TikTok user Pablothedon called people who described the singer as a mammy as being colorist and fatphobic. The artist also noted that the people attacking her were probably angry at her hypersexuality.

Advertisement

Lizzo felt the trolls were using the mammy trope to try and desexualize her. She noted how people were probably angry at her because she was a happy, fat Black woman who made pop music.

The star shared how she wasn’t bothered by the attacks because she was standing on the shoulders of other great Black female artists. She said Aretha Franklin was criticized by the Black church when she became famous.

Advertisement

The pop singer also noted how the late Whitney Houston was rejected in her day, and even Beyoncé faced some criticism earlier in her music career. Initially, when her song was released, she took the backlash quite hard.

Her spirits were picked up when fellow stars Cardi B, Chlöe Bailey, Jameela Jamil, and Octavia Spencer. Lizzo’s diehard fans also came out guns blazing to defend her by reposting her videos and photos.

Advertisement

On the day “Rumors” was released, Lizzo was interviewed by radio host Zane Lowe on Apple Music’s “New Music Daily” web show. There she opened up about being a Black, plus-sized woman in the spotlight.

She confessed to struggling with how she has become an influencer just by “being herself.” Lizzo recalled how the on-screen representation of plus-sized women became more after she sang a declaration about self-love.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Spotlight on Five Celebrities Who Rock Their Locs

February 14, 2024

News Anchor Humiliated by Viewer for Years over Her Body, Finally Shuts Him Down on Air with Perfect Answer

December 08, 2023

Melissa Etheridge Talks about the Death of Her Son Who Is ‘Not in Pain Anymore’

December 03, 2023

Cass Elliot's Daughter Owen Vanessa Elliot-Kugell Met Her Father after Her Mother Died

December 05, 2023

Steve Perry Never Had a Wife despite Having Been in Several Serious Relationships

November 29, 2023

Jennifer Lopez, 54, Rocks an Illusion Top and Leather Pants, Igniting Online Discussion

February 01, 2024

Jennifer Lopez, 54, Rocks an Illusion Top and Leather Pants, Igniting Online Discussion

January 31, 2024

Bob Hope Was Either Bigamist or Lied About His 69-Years Marriage – Inside His Private Life

January 17, 2024

'I Hate It,' Cher Admits about Aging but Believes ‘It’s Never Too Late’ to Be Happy with Younger Partner

December 02, 2023

Dolly Parton Made a Replica of Her Childhood House, Spending Money to Make It Look Just as Poor – Photos

February 05, 2024

Dolly Parton Made a Replica of Her Childhood House, Spending Money to Make It Look Just as Poor – Photos

January 24, 2024

Cher’s Son Married Woman Who Resembles Her amid Strained Relationship with His Mom — Photos

February 06, 2024

‘Goosebumps!’: Demi Moore's Daughter Amazes with Her 'Voice of an Angel' Singing Cher's Song in a Bar

December 04, 2023

Inside Reba McEntire’s ‘African Cowboy’ Style Mansion Where She Lives with Her ‘CSI: Miami’ Star Boyfriend

November 16, 2023