Lizzo took a temporary and welcomed break from her “gap year” for a dinner chat at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Laguna Niguel, Calif., on Monday. It was the first time the singer-songwriter has spoken publicly, other than via her social media, since she was accused of creating a toxic work environment, allegations she has steadfastly denied.
But the “Truth Hurts” singer assured the audience she’s been working, even if people don’t see it. The four-time Grammy Award winner discussed everything from her music career to her shapewear brand to her decision to take a gap year—and who she voted for in the upcoming presidential election: Kamala Harris.
“But I thought that today was a special moment to share that I did vote, and I voted for Kamala Harris,” Lizzo said, later adding: “There’s so many important issues on the ballot this year. And I just want to encourage everyone—I know everyone in this room is going to vote—but please, anyone who’s going to see this video or hear this, please vote.”
She emphasized that everyone’s vote matters. And Lizzo doesn’t seem to be afraid of being “canceled,” joking that she’s been pretty much canceled for everything. Plus, it isn’t the first time she’s waded into the political sphere; following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, Lizzo donated half a million dollars to Planned Parenthood, for one thing.
Last summer, on social media, Lizzo wrote that she was taking a gap year to protect her peace. The 36-year-old’s decision came after some of her dancers filed a lawsuit against her, alleging that she and her production company created a toxic workplace environment, and accusing her of sexual harassment. Lizzo previously denied the accusations, calling them “unbelievable” and “outrageous.” Monday, when asked about the allegations, she chose not to answer, suggesting this wasn’t the time or place, saying the evening was about “celebrating.”
Still, she joined all the powerful women in the room this week, who, like her, either founded or lead companies and institutions. Lizzo founded Yitty, a shapewear brand, a little more than two years ago in partnership with Fabletics. “I’ve been a big girl my entire life,” Lizzo said. “As long as I’ve been able to buy clothes, I’ve lived in the intersection of: The things that I want don’t fit me, the things that fit me I don’t [want to wear]. I have been through the shame and pain of wearing shapewear in middle school.”
Constrictive, tight garments and shapewear shopping departments that weren’t inclusive pushed her to start her own company because nobody else was doing anything about it, she said. “People didn’t think shapewear was a viable category,” Lizzo said. But of course there’s Kim Kardashians’s Skims, which Lizzo said was actually validating to see when it launched. Although she did laugh when asked if she and Kardashian exchanged notes, saying “no,” but “there’s truly room for all of us.” Either way, she hinted at a future for Yitty that includes intimates and everyday cottons.
And after speculation about her weight and exercise routine, Lizzo is opting out of discussing it further. “I have evolved from talking about body positivity into body neutrality, which means my body is nobody’s business,” Lizzo said, with a laugh.
As for new music? She wouldn’t give us anything on when it’s happening, only that it’s very close to being done and she thinks all the women in the room will love it.
