Lizzo is speaking out against an author, who claimed her success is due to “an obesity epidemic in America.”
On Monday, Dr. Boyce Watkins’ tweet about Lizzo went viral. The former Syracuse University faculty member posted that he felt the “Truth Hurts” singer is popular for one reason.
“Rather than encouraging people to do better, we are simply lying to them and telling them that they are just fine the way they are,” Dr. Watkins continued in a tweet that has been shared over 2,000 times. “Unfortunately, many of these people are dying from diabetes and heart disease.”
His comments came days after Lizzo, who is having a milestone year, made her debut as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live last weekend.
Lizzo responded in her own tweet, writing that her success has nothing to do with her weight.
“I’m popular because I write good songs and I’m talented and perform high energy hour and a half shows filled with love,” she said.
“The only person who needs to do better is you. Keep my name out ya mouth & look in the mirror before you come for me. Here’s the attention you ordered,” the former ESSENCE cover star added.
Lizzo is having a banner year in music, having been nominated for eight Grammy Awards.