Erica Banks spoke to The Shade Room at BET‘s media house for their awards show last night (Sunday, June 30), and her thoughts on body positivity have many claiming that she clapped back at people hating on her BBL. “Of course. First of all, when it comes to comments, y’all… Please,” she began her remarks. “Don’t waste your whole life looking at comments, you know? When I first came into this whole world, you know, it was hard for me to kind of not look at comments. ‘Cause I was new to it, you know?
“But over time, I was just like, ‘I’m never going to see these people,’” Erica Banks went on. “I can’t allow, you know, this app to upset me and hurt my feelings. So, you know, that would just be my best advice to that. And as far as, you know, body positivity… Do you, girl, you know? I’m doing me, you know? They just getting mad at me ’cause, I mean… Sorry y’all, sorry y’all. You crazy, you are so crazy. I’m sorry, my n***a, that my choice upset y’all. But you know how it be,” she concluded after giving the camera a little spin at the behest of interviewer Jade Ashley, TSR‘s social media editor.
However, Erica Banks also has to deal with some pushback in other areas, such as her notion that she could beat Megan Thee Stallion in a freestyle battle. While there is no surefire answer here, a lot of fans pointed to Banks’ old tweets about the Houston femcee as an indicator that she is actually more of an admirer than a combatant. After all, she labeled Meg as her “alter ego.” Maybe they will settle this debate one day.
Meanwhile, the “ON HIS FACE” femcee will probably continue to live her best life and laugh at the haters in the process while encouraging her fans. She’s the one who proposed the Megan Thee Stallion battle, so if she’s all for it, that would be an interesting competition. Erica Banks may not have all the answers, but she tries to make her truth clear at every opportunity. Take this advice and do what you please with it; she doesn’t mind.
South Park has built its reputation on mocking celebrities. The show holds nothing sacred, and has spent the last two plus decades taking down everything from politics to organized religion. Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the show’s creators, have a knack for knowing when to focus on a given topic to elicit maximum comedy. They did it again with their latest special, “The End of Obesity.” As one can infer from the title, South Park is taking aim at the recent Ozempic craze, and the body positivity promoted by artists like Lizzo.
In the special, all local women turn to Ozempic while claiming that they’re exercising to lose weight. Cartman wants to get his hands on the drug, but since he can’t afford it, he’s prescribed Lizzo instead. Lizzo, in this context, is another way of saying “body positivity.” The running joke throughout the special is that taking “Lizzo” allows you to eat and do whatever you want without feeling out of shape. “Lizzo” is something that allows you to think that you’re beautiful just the way you are. As with most absurd ideas on South Park, things go south. There are side effects to taking “Lizzo,” and they are predictably messy.
Lizzo Is A “Substitute” For Ozempic In “South Park”
Lizzo has had a difficult couple years in the public eye. The singer was once adored as a pop culture force, but allegations of disability discrimination, harassment, and body shaming from former backup dancers has shifted the public’s perception. Multiple lawsuits were brought against the “Truth Hurts” singer. Some were dismissed, but others, most notably those pertaining to sexual harassment, were upheld by the court. Lizzo denied these allegations outright. She claimed they were “too outrageous” to ignore, though.
Lizzo defended her character in a statement uploaded to X. “With passion comes hard work and high standards,” she explained. “Sometimes I have to make hard decisions. It’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team. I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be… There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world.”
Lizzo experienced severe depression in the wake of these lawsuits. She recently hopped on Instagram to let her fans know that she’s happier than she’s been in months. “The strange thing about depression is you don’t know you’re in it until you’re out of it,” she wrote. “I’m definitely not all the way as carefree as I used to be.. But the dark cloud that followed me every day is finally clearing up.” It’s unlikely the South Park special is going to help alleviate said cloud.
Lizzo has been a champion for body positivity and self-acceptance for a long time. The singer and rapper has risen through the ranks to become a prominent force in mainstream music. Although the haters are still present, Lizzo’s known for brushing them off, especially in her music. With her lyrics, she’s gained a slew of fans who are constantly learning to love themselves.
While she’s become a staple in the conversation of loving oneself, Lizzo has been in hot water recently. Some of her former dancers have sued the singer for workplace mistreatment, sexual harassment, and much more, shocking the singer’s fans. Lizzo addressed the allegations on social media, tagging them as “sensationalized stories.” These allegations prove quite alarming after creating a brand centered around acceptance and positivity. Nonetheless, her lyrics have soothed a host of listeners over the years.
“Fitness” (2018)
“Booty vicious, mind yo business. I been working, working on my fitness / I been lifting heavy metal, see this ass? Ain’t no rental.”
In this 2018 anthem from the pop star, she makes it blatantly clear that her body is a temple, and she regularly takes care of it. “Fitness” is accompanied by minimal production driven by punchy 808s and a playful, repetitive melody. Lizzo confidently declares her independence and celebrates her body on the track. “Fitness” is also as sensual as it is uplifting, but the song is undeniably a big-up from Lizzo to her body.
“Let ‘Em Say” with Caroline Smith (2014)
“I’m just as thick as my skin is. I feel the water rolling down my back.”
Released in 2014, this is one of Lizzo’s earliest tracks, and a deep cut in her discography. This pop offering features artist Caroline Smith and is one of Lizzo’s most underrated songs about body positivity. The bright, upbeat tune is a feel-good song with a catchy melody and features lyrics that encourage listeners to let go. It also urges them to live their lives and disregard the words and actions of people who try to shame them.
“Truth Hurts” (2019)
“I just took a DNA test, turns out I’m a 100% that b*tch, even when I’m crying crazy.”
“Truth Hurts” is Lizzo’s breakout single and arguably her biggest song to date. The song is equal parts a heartbreak song and also a self-love anthem. Here, she cries unashamedly as she mourns another love gone wrong but simultaneously uses those tears as ammo, firing shots at the subject of her tears. “Truth Hurts” is relatable, empowering, and has left many women feeling fearless because they are indeed 100 percent “that b*tch.”
“Everybody’s Gay” (2022)
“B*tch, say less, express yourself / B*tch, get dressed, un-stress yourself.”
This disco-pop track off her 2022 album, Special, will inspire you to get off your feet, put your hands in the air, and dance. It is also a genuinely happy song, encouraging listeners to forget their worries. In addition, it tells listeners to find their happy place and dance the night away. This is another underrated body positivity anthem from the artist, but it clearly preaches that message, of self-love and zero judgment.
“My Skin” (2015)
“I woke up in this, I woke up in this. In my skin / I can’t wash it away, so you can’t take it away from me.”
On “My Skin,” a standout track from her sophomore album, Big GRRRL Small World, Lizzo lets the world know that she wears her skin with pride and encourages everyone to do so. The song opens with a 20-second monologue from Lizzo about body positivity. Here, she speaks about self-love, after which she delivers heartfelt lyrics. The track is also accompanied by a mild production and background choral vocals. “My Skin” promotes unity and self-love, and also encourages people to embrace themselves, flaws and all.
“Juice” (2019)
“I was born like this, don’t even gotta try / I’m like Chardonnay, get better over time.”
Lizzo oozes so much confidence and body positivity on this track, it is no wonder why it’s a fan favorite. When someone opens a song with the line, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, don’t say it, ‘cause I know I’m cute,” you should know they have a staggering amount of confidence. “Juice” is an upbeat number and is also another of the star’s breakout singles. It has some of her most catchy melodies and boisterous lyrics.
“Special” (2022)
“I’m so glad that you’re still with us / Broken, but damn, you’re still perfect.”
The titular song of Lizzo’s most recent album, Special, is a truly beautiful and heartfelt rendition from the artist. With some of her most powerful lyrics to date, this song preaches an unflinching message of self-love and appreciation for oneself. Furthermore, it’s dedicated to anyone who rarely gets to hear that they are special. Lizzo speaks directly to every person listening and reminds them that they are valid, they are valued, and that she is glad they are alive. It is a much-needed message of love that people need to hear, and although it’s not one of the biggest songs in her discography, it is certainly one of Lizzo’s most essential about self-acceptance.
Roseanne Barr recently took to social media, sharing a photo of her 1994 cover of Vanity Fair. The controversial comedian is pictured looking at the camera mischievously, sporting risqué lingerie and a sassy hand on her hip in the cover. She also took the opportunity to send a message to Lizzo, who she says owes her some gratitude. “When is [Lizzo] going to thank me for paving the way,” she asked on Instagram this week.
The message and cover shoot, which Barr dubs “An homage to Botero,” sparked some debate in the comments section. Though Barr does serve as an example of a bigger woman who’s managed to make it somewhere in Hollywood, many of Lizzo’s fans believe the comparison is a step too far. “We didn’t take you serious then and we definitely won’t now,” one user writes. Barr has made headlines in recent years for her controversial comments on the Holocaust, Tweeting racist remarks about former Obama aide Valerie Jarrett, and more.
“There were many before and will be many after you,” another user tells Barr, “How about celebrating with Lizzo rather than bashing.” A different user notes “the audacity” of Barr to compare herself to the Grammy-winning hitmaker. Some of Barr’s own fans came to her defense in the comments section, claiming that she has a point. “You’re the original,” one user writes, “When these untalented people are forgotten, you’ll be long remembered.” Another tells Barr, “You don’t nearly get the credit you’re deserve!”
Lizzo is known to be a major advocate for body-positivity, embracing her curvy figure and urging fans to love themselves unconditionally. Faced with constant criticism online, Lizzo has taken to social media in previous months to fire back. In May, the artist called out those insisting that “being fat” is her brand. “My ‘brand’ is FEEL GOOD MUSIC… CHAMPIONING ALL PEOPLE,” she wrote on Twitter, “BLACK GIRL LIBERATION.”
Pop star Billie Eilish is undoubtedly one of the biggest successes of her generation, but that hasn’t made her immune from criticism about her appearance, which has changed over the past several years as she emerged into adulthood. Over the weekend, she took to IG to slam those who have shamed her appearance and called her a “sellout” amongst other things.
The Happier than Ever singer, who at 21 has been performing for over eight years, has received criticism about her changing appearance as her look has gradually changed from “tomboy” loose clothing to more feminine and fitted attire. She’s also changed her hair up over the past few years, prompting some people to label her a “sellout” to mainstream expectations of traditional beauty, especially after her recent Vogue cover (in which she was wearing lingerie and sporting blonde hair) and her MET Gala appearance where she donned a tight lacy black dress.
On her IG story, she wrote the following over a closeup of her face:
“I spent the first 5 years of my career getting absolutely OBLITERATED by you fools for being boy ish and dressing how i did & constantly being told i’d be hotter if i acted like a woman [laughing emojis] and ow when i feel comfortable enough to wear anything remotely feminine or fitting, i CHANGED and am a sellout….and “what happened to her” oMg iT’s nOt thE sAmE billie she’s just like the rest bla blah….you guys are the true idiots. LOL. I can be both you f***ing bozos. LET WOMEN EXIST :))))”
Image Courtesy of Billie Eilish Instagram
She then added a second photo where she wrote ““FUN FACT! did you know that woman are multifaceted!!!!!??? shocking right?? believe it or not women could be interested in multiple things.”
Image Courtesy of Billie Eilish Instagram
She followed that photo up with another up close photo in which she wrote:
“Also that femininity does not equal weakness???!!!! omg?! insane right? who knew….and also totally unheard of and insane to want to express yourself differently at different times.”
Image Courtesy of Billie Eilish Instagram
Her final photo of the set was a close up of her laughing in which she wrote:
“Suck my absolute c— and b— you women hating a— weirdos.”
Image Courtesy of Billie Eilish Instagram
Eilish is just the most recent female celebrity to experience criticism about her appearance. Ice Spice received criticism about her appearance when she joined Taylor Swift onstage recently, Lizzo took to TikTok to clap back at “body shamers” last month, Doja Cat was recently accused of “uglifying” herself, and more.
Body-positivity iconLizzo recently shared a response on TikTok to one user seeking other people pursuing a fitness journey who are not simply trying to “escape fatness.” “Heavy on the not trying to escape fatness,” Lizzo begins the TikTok. “I just wanted to stitch this (video with mine) to show support to you because this creator, specifically, said, ‘I’m looking for people that I can resonate with.’ (I’m the) very, very same,” she reveals.
Lizzo then goes on to explain, “I have a very high-performance job, for 90 minutes a night I have to do choreography, I have to sing, I have to dance, I have to rap, and I have to play the flute. And I have to emote, and hype a crowd. In very tight clothes.” “sometimes clothes where it restricts my breathing,” the musician laughs. “It’s fun, I love my job. It takes a lot of physical endurance to do what I do,” she says. She explains, “as i got more professional in my career, i started to take the physical part more seriously.” “I’ve always loved moving my body, I’ve always loved working out. Ive always been super into being holistic-conscious, cuz when you say health-conscious it becomes very loaded,” she shares.
“I am very hippy-dippy and woo-woo when it comes to food and supplements and just thinking about my body and the environment,” she reveals. Lizzo explains, “a lot of people see a fat person that way and immediately just assume everything they’re doing is to be thin.” “I’m not trying to be thin, I don’t ever want to be thin,” she says.
The performer continues, saying, “Will I get a little smaller depending on some of the choices I make, or a little bigger depending on some of the choices I make in my life? Yes. I’m used to fluctuating, however, the goal is always [mental health].” She later shared that working out for her mental health has helped her shift her outlook. Lizzo also explained how she feels as though humans naturally fluctuate physically throughout their lives, saying it’s just, “what the human existence is.”
Lizzo is having an extremely low-key Coachella experience this year. To be more specific, she isn’t at Coachella. Lizzo made waves for her surprise appearance at the festival last year. At the time, she surprised fans by joining Harry Styles on stage for a performance. However, the “About Damn Time” singer seems to be taking some much-needed rest this year. On her Instagram, Lizzo updated fans with a new video to let them know just how well her Coachella weekend was going.
“Poolchella is going good,” Lizzo said in the caption of her video update. The singer donned a strappy pink bikini and lazed in the pool as music from the HBO show Euphoria played. This wasn’t Lizzo’s only video post this weekend, however. She also posted a video after hopping out of the shower. The video shows the singer with perfectly tousled hair and bangs talking about her beauty. She captioned the post, “I’m sorry that my perfect face & rockin body offends you… I can’t help that I’m God’s favorite.”
Lizzo’s music is renowned for its powerful message of self-love, resonating deeply with her devoted audience. She has consistently commanded the spotlight in recent years, culminating in her impressive second number 1 hit “About Damn Time” last year. Her accolades, including 4 Grammy wins and 13 nominations, far exceed the norm for most pop singers in their entire careers, a testament to her exceptional talent. Yet, beyond her remarkable achievements, what truly shines about Lizzo is her unwavering passion for advocating for the underdog, exemplifying her profound compassion and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on those who are marginalized or disadvantaged.
Lizzo is also putting her money where her mouth is. She has even created a brand that is meant for all bodies. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar regarding the brand launch, Lizzo spoke about what she hopes to achieve. “I was like, I wanna create a product that, even if you see it, it’s not shameful. It’s not embarrassing. It’s actually sexy and liberating,” the singer said. “I…think all bodies are beautiful, and thin girls are beautiful and deserve to be models, and so do big girls and girls all in between.” What do you think of Lizzo’s message of body positivity? Let us know in the comments!
Lizzo has been a long-time supporter of the body positivity movement. Since her initial rise to stardom in 2017, she has been battling with negativity towards her body. As a result, Lizzo works hard to uplift those who are dealing with insecurities through her music and brand. She has become a prominent advocate for self-love and acceptance in the entertainment industry. And she is not shy to call out those who she feels are exploiting the movement for monetary gain.
One such company that Lizzo is calling out is Victoria’s Secret, a popular lingerie brand. On March 5th, 2023, Lizzo sent out a tweet in response to the brand’s promotional video for their upcoming fashion show. Victoria’s Secret is well known for its fashion shows, but the shows have been on a four-year-long hiatus. Now they are back, and sporting women of all shapes and sizes in their lingerie. While many are thrilled at the apparently new inclusivity of the brand, the famous artist is quick to show skepticism.
Lizzo Is Quick To Call Out Victoria’s Secret
This is a win for inclusivity for inclusivity’s sake
But if brands start doing this only because they’ve received backlash then what happens when the ‘trends’ change again?
Do the CEOs of these companies value true inclusivity? Or do they just value money? https://t.co/ykmcUTLayQ
“This is a win for inclusivity for inclusivity’s sake,” the artist states in her tweet. “But if brands start doing this only because they’ve received backlash then what happens when the ‘trends’ change again?” Lizzo asks the question that we all need to ask when talking about the inclusivity of large corporations. Her tweet implies that the body positivity that Victoria’s Secret is trying to show off is fake. Many people accuse big businesses of jumping on the body-positive movement for some quick cash.
While the move is seen as a huge step in the right direction for many people, Lizzo remains unimpressed. Lizzo’s message is clear: true body positivity means celebrating all bodies, regardless of their shape and size. It’s not enough for companies to simply pay lip service to diversity. They need to follow through with action by creating clothing and campaigns that reflect their values. While Victoria’s Secret has been making steps towards inclusivity, they still have a long way to go before they truly embrace the movement. “Do the CEOs of these companies value true inclusivity? Or do they just value money?”
Angela Simmons has been a star of television her entire life. We watched her grow up on Runs House. Now we can watch her as an adult as she is back with season two of two shows.
AspireTV has agreed to bring back another season of Just Angela, and her show Social Society, streaming on ALLBLK, will also return for a second season.
On Just Angela, Angela gives viewers insight into all aspects of her life. She’s a mother, entrepreneur, and executive producer. Since growing up, she has changed a ton. No longer is she just Rev. Run’s daughter. The “New York City Gal” has moved down south to Atlanta, and we get the first hand look to see how she tackles the challenges of adulthood. She recently purchased a new home.Just Angelais Angela’s new reality, and we get a chance to see how she lives it.
Being the ultimate girl boss, Angela also teamed up with Lil Wayne’s daughter Reginae Carter to bring a different perspective to season two of Social Society.
Angela and Reginae will join Kendall Kyndall and Kendra G. as the host. The show will have an unrestricted mix of guest stars, using a mixture of social commentary and comedy to discuss some of the culture’s toughest issues.
Check out a new clip of Social Society as they talk with Bow Wow and his willingness to purchase the woman he pursues boyfriend gifts to ultimately win her over.
