Lizzo is winning. She's racked up the most nominations for the 2020 Grammys, was crowned TIME's entertainer of the year and hijacked NBA halftimes with twerk interludes. Despite her attainments, a cultural commentator thinks the obesity epidemic is all that's to be credited for her success.
Going into the new decade unfazed and unbothered @lizzo pic.twitter.com/IpxjzbTicB— What's Trending (@WhatsTrending) December 12, 2019
The "Truth Hurts" singer also recently headlined a historic Saturday Night Live episode hosted by Eddie Murphy with appearances from Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan. It was a night to remember that resulted in SNL's highest ratings in two years. But with all that carefree body positivity, banging music and genuinely good artistry she's serving —some still seem to take offense with the Minneapolis entertainer's confidence.
One of the artist's most recent high profile detractors was political commentator and self-styled Black cultural leader Dr. Boyce Watkins. Watkins, a 48-year-old with a Doctor of Finance, proposed that Lizzo's popularity stems from an obesity epidemic in America. Further, he implies that many people who enjoy Lizzo's brand and music are enabling those who are dying from diabetes and heart disease.
#Lizzo popular is because there is an obesity epidemic in America. 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.
Unfortunately, Many of these people are dying from diabetes and heart disease pic.twitter.com/75TY8jJRIX— Dr Boyce Watkins (@drboycewatkins1) December 20, 2019
Watkins, commonly known as a bachelor and rotund man himself, has created a lucrative niche for his brand by promoting Black financial literacy, leading community support efforts and offering his guidance to Black women.
On Monday, Lizzo decided to respond with a first-class clapback, reminding Watkins that he has room for improvement.
I’m popular because I write good songs and I’m talented and perform high energy hour and a half shows filled with love.
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 ???? https://t.co/zXnOv4f9Dr— Feelin Good As Hell (@lizzo) December 23, 2019
Lizzo supporters also added their two cents.
Dr. Watkins out here addressing your fine-ness like he has an MD behind his name.
Sir, your PhD is in finance. @lizzo he just big mad that no amount of his work will reach the people you reach, through love.
Be well, beautiful. xx— ???? Veronica is Present ???? (@LovesTheBern) December 23, 2019
These publicized and numerous criticisms of Lizzo have spearheaded a larger conversation surrounding fatphobia and her success in regards to the historical implications of Black women in America.
In September, accomplished rap artist and controversial social media powder keg Azealia Banks named Lizzo as a "millennial mammy." Banks attests that her viral popularity and imagery were a detriment to Black people and recalled negative racist stereotypes.
“I understand the body positivity thing but if it were that the most vulgar bits of it wouldn’t be broadcast like that lmfao…. imagine what the rest of the world thinks when they see lizzo jumping around in leotards with cellulite … no one says body positivity – she looks like she is making a fool of her black self for a white American public. Nothing more nothing less,” Banks said.
Blavity Op-Ed contributor Kenneth J. Williams Jr. pointed out the ways in which Lizzo's weight has dominated the criticism hurled at her talent which fall right in line with Watkins' critiques.
"Unfortunately, most of the world feels comfortable policing the bodies of Black women and how they express themselves, but when we as Black people start to follow suit, then it becomes a bit more alarming," Williams wrote. "It’s unfortunate that so many people are still holding on to archaic standards of beauty that have been largely forced upon us by external sources that prioritize white beauty standards."