Lizzo defends body positivity, calls out ‘thin-presenting’ critics in viral rant [VIDEO]

Lizzo Slams Body Shamers in Video Rant: “It’s Not Your Place”

A recent video of Lizzo has ignited passionate debate across social media platforms as the Grammy-winning singer directly addressed ongoing tensions within the body positivity movement. The 3.5-minute video, posted this weekend, features Lizzo speaking candidly about body shaming, personal autonomy, and how society weaponizes appearance.

Wearing a teal tank top and standing in what appears to be her home, Lizzo looked straight into the camera as she began by calling out people in what she described as “thin-presenting” bodies. The term, now trending on X and TikTok, refers to individuals who appear slim to the public but may have previously been larger or still struggle with body image in private.

“If you’re someone in a thin-presenting body, it’s not your place to criticize or shame people in bigger bodies,” Lizzo said. “Especially if you used to live in a bigger body. You should understand more than anyone how bodies evolve.”

Standing Up to Judgment

The video, which has amassed over 2 million views and nearly 600,000 interactions across platforms, sparked immediate engagement for both its tone and content. Lizzo, who has long been a figurehead in the body positivity movement, used her platform to push back against a rising trend of judgment toward those who either gain or lose weight in public view.

Lizzo specifically criticized the idea that losing weight is a betrayal of body positivity, emphasizing that the movement was never about staying a particular size.

“Body positivity was about radical self-acceptance for all bodies,” she said. “Somewhere along the way, it got gentrified and commercialized until it became synonymous with ‘fat positivity.’ And then when people like me lose weight, suddenly it’s like we’re not body positive anymore? That’s not how this works.”

Addressing Hypocrisy and Healing

The viral moment comes after Lizzo has shared elements of her own wellness journey over the past year. Though she hasn’t publicly confirmed using any weight-loss drugs, some fans accused her of hypocrisy for promoting self-love in a larger body while appearing visibly slimmer in recent months.

“I didn’t come to be a body icon. I came to make music and be happy in my skin,” she added. “If I want to change my body, or not eat after 5 p.m., or do yoga, that’s my choice. It doesn’t erase the message.”

Lizzo explained that while she has become emotionally “impervious” to public criticism, she knows that many others aren’t. Her video was a message of support to people who are struggling to feel confident amid ongoing shaming and pressure to explain their appearance.

The Term “Thin-Presenting” Sparks Backlash

The phrase “thin-presenting” has become a flashpoint for criticism, with some dismissing it as made-up or overly complex. One viral quote on X read: “What tf is ‘thin-presenting’???? people are so mental” — a sentiment that reflects the skepticism many social media users had about the terminology.

Others saw it as part of a larger pattern of what they deemed “woke nonsense,” claiming Lizzo is using convoluted language to continue centering herself in the public discourse.

Yet for Lizzo and her defenders, the term reflects a nuanced understanding of how appearance and identity intersect. It aims to acknowledge that not everyone who appears thin has always lived without stigma or insecurity.

Reactions: Support, Fatphobia, and Misunderstanding

Public reaction to Lizzo’s message has been sharply divided:

• Critics accuse her of attention-seeking, hypocrisy, or promoting unhealthy lifestyles. “Lizzo made her body her personality,” one commenter said. “Now she’s playing the victim because she’s losing weight.”
• Supporters praised her honesty and encouraged her to keep using her voice. “You can be confident in your body no matter your size. She’s not obligated to stay fat for anyone,” one fan wrote.
• Neutral or confused voices agreed with the overall message but questioned the language. “Love her message, but ‘thin-presenting’ is a stretch.”

Online responses to Lizzo’s video were predictably polarized. Supporters hailed her as a champion of self-love and authenticity. Thus, praising her for standing firm amid scrutiny.

Lizzo’s Broader Influence on Body Discourse

This moment is part of a larger dialogue that Lizzo has helped shape for years. From award show outfits to onstage speeches, she’s used her visibility to challenge norms around beauty and worth. But as she pointed out, body positivity was never meant to be about one-size-fits-all rebellion — it was about rejecting the shame attached to all body types.

“I see too many people wasting revolutionary energy on judging others. That’s not the movement,” she declared.

As the video continues to circulate, it has sparked think pieces, talk show debates, and dueling social media trends. But at its heart, Lizzo’s message remains one of self-determination and compassion.

And for celebrities like Lizzo—who have been both lauded and lambasted for their appearances—the scrutiny is unrelenting. Her message asks: What happens when someone known for radical self-love chooses to change their body? Does that erase their message, or does it evolve it?

The term “body neutrality” has also gained traction in recent years, offering an alternative to body positivity by shifting the focus away from appearance entirely. Some see Lizzo’s recent messages as aligning more with this philosophy.

“You don’t have to love every inch of yourself every day to still demand respect. That’s what I’m saying,” Lizzo explained in a follow-up comment.

Conclusion

Lizzo’s impassioned defense of body autonomy and her criticism of “thin-presenting” critics underscores the ever-evolving tension within the body positivity movement. While she continues to face backlash for her own body changes, her video serves as a reminder that the true roots of the movement lie in radical self-love and respect for all bodies — not just when it’s convenient, marketable, or palatable.

Whether you agree with her terminology or not, Lizzo’s call for empathy and her unwavering support for bodily freedom resonate in an online world still saturated with judgment. As society continues grappling with changing norms around beauty, identity, and wellness, her voice remains a loud and necessary one in the conversation.