Lizzo Tells Monica Lewinsky She’s ‘Deeply Offended’ with How Late-’90s Media ‘Talked About Y’all’s Bodies’

In a recent episode of Monica Lewinsky’s podcast, *Reclaiming*, Lizzo opened up about the intense scrutiny faced by women’s bodies during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Speaking candidly, the singer discussed how societal expectations and media portrayals back then were not only rigid but often harsh, particularly for women like herself, who found themselves judged against unrealistic beauty standards.

Lizzo, whose full name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, reminisced about the time when the media was notorious for discussing women’s bodies in a derogatory manner. “Sometimes I’m actually, like, deeply offended by how the media talked about y’all’s bodies or talked about Jessica Simpson’s mom jeans,” she said. The reference to Simpson’s infamous high-waisted jeans, which led to a flurry of cruel headlines in 2009, highlighted the relentless gaze of the media that impacted many women, including Lizzo herself.

The singer expressed her disdain for the narrow definition of beauty prevalent during that era. With a tone of incredulity, she remarked that the current generation may not fully grasp the strict standards that women had to conform to back in the day. “I don’t think this new generation understands how intense and how strict and harsh society was on women’s bodies,” she noted. This criticism sheds light on the evolution of body image discussions and the shifting paradigms surrounding women’s appearances.

Reflecting on her own journey, Lizzo mentioned how her emergence in the music industry prompted a shift in perceptions. “I think when I came out, people were like, ‘Wait a minute. We didn’t know they could get this big,'” she said with a laugh. Her presence and success challenged preconceived notions about body size and talent, encouraging a more inclusive dialogue around body positivity.

Monica Lewinsky, who has her own experiences with media scrutiny, acknowledged Lizzo’s impact on modern discussions regarding body image. Lizzo, who has consistently aimed to empower others through her music and public persona, admitted to feeling the pressure of proving herself in a space that so often judged women based on their appearance alone. “I had to be undeniable — like undeniably talented, undeniably beautiful, undeniably likable, undeniably myself,” she explained.

However, Lizzo also touched upon the challenges that arose when her own body changed over time. She recalled how some individuals questioned her empowerment, suggesting that shifts in her body signified a loss of self-love. “I think when my body changed … there were some people who were like, ‘Am I not allowed to be empowered anymore? Did you not love yourself, actually?'” she shared. Her response underscored an important aspect of self-acceptance and transformation.

She clarified that embracing change in her body was integral to her self-love journey. “When the truth is I really love myself to be able to do this,” Lizzo stated. She emphasised the necessity of understanding that bodies alter with age and life experiences, including childbirth.

Addressing the importance of body positivity, Lizzo remarked, “Your body is going to change and you should embrace that change.” This ongoing evolution of the body is intrinsic to the human experience, she explained, highlighting how crucial it is to adapt to these changes while maintaining a positive outlook. “Every single day, you change … you have to keep up with that. And that’s what body positivity is,” she concluded.

Lizzo’s insights on body image and self-acceptance not only reflect her personal experiences but also resonate with broader societal changes. As discussions around body positivity have gained momentum, her voice remains a vital component in shaping a more inclusive understanding of beauty. Through her platform, Lizzo continues to inspire others to embrace and celebrate their bodies, irrespective of societal expectations.