Lizzo Speaks Candidly About Her ‘Dark, Deep Depression’ That Made Her Not ‘Want to Live Anymore’

Lizzo is getting real about her mental health struggles. Speaking about the title of her new album, Love in Real Life, the 37-year-old told the crowd at a recent show that it was inspired by a rough emotional period. “I named it that because about a year and a half ago — it’s so hard for me to talk about — I was in such a dark, deep depression,” she said.

At the time, she was being sued by former backup dancers on allegations of harassment and a toxic work environment (she denied all charges). It was a blow for the four-time Grammy winner, known for her openness and body positivity.

“I was so heartbroken by the world and deeply hurt that I didn’t want to live anymore,” she said. “And I was so deeply afraid of people that I didn’t want to be seen. Eventually I got over that fear.”

What changed for the “About Damn Time” singer, she said, was a random encounter with a fan while attending a concert. “Somebody, who I didn’t know, looked at me and said, ‘Lizzo, I love you.’ And they reached out, and I reached back, and we hugged, and it felt so damn good.” She went on, “This is the kind of love you can only get in real life,” she told the crowd, urging them to “reach out.”