Note: This story is being republished and originally made the news in August 2023.
In a surprising development, TheDailyMail.com reported that Lizzo has been removed from consideration for the potential lineup of The Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show.
Insiders from the National Football League (NFL) revealed that recent allegations of sexual harassment and body-shaming prompted this sudden decision.
A confidential source within the NFL stated, “The notion of Lizzo being part of the Halftime festivities or performing the National Anthem is a non-starter due to the ongoing scandal,” as reported by TheDailyMail.com.
While the official roster of performers remains undisclosed, betting odds from Covers.com currently suggest that artists such as Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, and Bad Bunny are favored as potential headliners for the February 2024 event.
Lizzo, aged 35, now finds herself embroiled in controversy following accusations raised by several backup dancers during her recent “The Special Tour.” The lawsuit alleges that Lizzo orchestrated uncomfortable sexual scenarios, including instances in which tour cast members were coerced into consuming bananas in explicit ways and interacting with nude performers.
Responding to the allegations on Instagram, Lizzo stated, “There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world.” She rejected the victim or villain narrative, emphasizing her commitment to openness about sexuality and self-expression while refusing to allow her actions to be misinterpreted.
A source close to Lizzo described her career as a “sinking ship” and told TheDailyMail.com that her options are rapidly diminishing.
“With an increasing number of individuals coming forward with accusations of extremely inappropriate acts, Lizzo, despite her substantial earnings, appears to be running out of time, and it remains uncertain whether she can recover from this,” the insider explained. The source highlighted the difficulties Lizzo faces, noting that speaking out invites criticism while remaining silent risks accusations of cowardice. At this stage, the outlook for her recovery appears bleak.
This latest development raises critical questions about the future trajectory of Lizzo’s career and the potential long-term impact of ongoing controversies on her professional opportunities. Once celebrated as a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity, Lizzo now faces heightened scrutiny as the industry evaluates whether her brand can withstand the pressure of public backlash.
Being removed from consideration for a major cultural milestone such as the Super Bowl Halftime Show underscores both the seriousness of the allegations and the broader implications for artists whose reputations are under question. The Halftime Show is widely regarded as a pinnacle of recognition, reserved for performers with mainstream appeal and cultural significance. Losing this opportunity signals a shift in how industry stakeholders may perceive Lizzo’s marketability and reliability as a headlining act.
As the fallout continues, Lizzo is at a pivotal moment in her career. The interplay between public opinion, legal challenges, and industry decisions will likely determine whether she can rehabilitate her image or whether these controversies will leave a lasting mark on her professional life. For an artist whose brand has been built on resilience and self-empowerment, the coming months may define not only her career trajectory but also her ability to reclaim her voice within an industry that is both unforgiving and transformative.