Lizzo faced significant backlash after taking a private jet to attend a Democratic event in Detroit, where she endorsed U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
The singer, known for her outspoken political views, drew ire from fans and critics alike, who called out the stark contrast between her luxury travel and her message about uplifting a city that has long struggled with economic hardships.
The About Damn Time singer, 36, shared a video on social media of herself boarding a private plane, dressed in an elegant white suit.
"This is how a bad b**** saves democracy. You ho's couldn't even spell democracy," she quipped as she prepared to attend the event.
Fans Call Out Hypocrisy Over Private Jet Use
While Lizzo's appearance aimed to rally support for Kamala Harris, it didn't sit well with some viewers.
Many fans criticized her for using a private jet to attend the event, pointing out the disconnect between her message of supporting a city with deep financial struggles and her display of wealth.
One fan remarked, "Brags about Kamala turning the whole country into a poverty-stricken Detroit - struts onto a private jet to prove she knows nothing about poverty."
Others echoed similar sentiments, with comments like, "She flew there on her private jet and thinks the whole country should be like Detroit. That's a hard pass," and "Lizzo floating around in her carbon-guzzling private jet while they are telling you dumb peasants you're killing the planet by eating a steak and driving a gas car."
The criticism didn't stop there. Fans expressed frustration over the stark differences between their own struggles and Lizzo's lavish lifestyle. "Most Americans can't afford their groceries, Lizzo. But go ahead and board your private jet," one fan commented.
Lizzo and Harris Unite for Detroit Rally
Despite the backlash, Lizzo joined Kamala Harris at Western International High School in Detroit for a campaign event over the weekend. As early voting began in Michigan, Lizzo spoke passionately about her pride for her hometown.
"They say if Kamala wins, the whole country will be like Detroit. Proud like Detroit, resilient like Detroit," she declared.
However, her remarks stirred up further controversy online. Some social media users were quick to point out Detroit's long history of economic decline, high crime rates, and its reputation as one of the most troubled cities in America.
One critic posted, "If Kamala is elected, the whole country will look like Detroit. A decimated car industry. A top ten city in crime statistics."
Even with the criticism, Lizzo stood firm in her support for Harris, at one point sharing a video of the two together and referring to the Vice President as "my President."
The event included a brief performance by Lizzo, who sang her hit About Damn Time after the crowd requested to hear her voice.
Detroit's Complex Legacy and Ongoing Challenges
Detroit, once a thriving hub with a population of 1.8 million in the 1950s, has faced decades of economic hardship, largely due to the decline of the auto industry and a mass exodus of residents.
In recent years, the city has attempted to rebuild, focusing on infrastructure and revitalization projects like the reopening of the historic Michigan Central Station.
While crime rates have improved, with 2023 seeing the fewest homicides in the city since 1966, Detroit still struggles with the remnants of its past, making Lizzo's portrayal of the city as a symbol of pride and resilience a point of contention for some.
Lizzo's endorsement of Kamala Harris in Detroit sparked conversations about both the city's progress and its deep-rooted issues, while also drawing attention to the gap between the celebrity's public persona and the everyday struggles of those she claims to support.