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With this unique talent’s rise, is there more than meets the eye?
“Who I am and the essence of me and the things that I choose to do as a grown ass woman can inspire you to do the same. You don’t have to be like me. You need to be like you, and never ever let somebody stop you or shame you from being yourself.”
These are the words Lizzo spoke to fans and onlookers via Instagram Live in response to criticism over both her attire and actions at the Staples Center during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves on December 8, 2019. Prior to the game’s start, she entered the arena wearing a large black t-shirt with a hole cut out in the lower back, exposing her entire backside. The singer’s only covering was fishnet tights and a thong. Lizzo would later be captured by the Staples Center’s jumbotron that day as the Laker cheerleaders reportedly danced to her song “Juice.” Upon seeing her image, she also danced, going as far as to turn around and twerk for all in the arena to see.
Critiques of Lizzo’s antics ranged from the appropriateness of her outfit at a sporting event to the appeal of her physique — vocal opponents of her figure could largely be accused of body shaming. Given the amount of conversation via social media and beyond, Lizzo ultimately shared her thoughts via Instagram Live, which included the abovementioned quote…