Lizzo Makes Rare Appearance Months After Lawsuit Moves Forward, Beams at Most Powerful Women Summit

Lizzo was all smiles at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, where she avoided discussing her lawsuit but teased her next album.

Taking the stage at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit 2024, Lizzo declined to comment on claims of sexual misconduct and hostile work conditions alleged in an ex-dancer’s lawsuit. “This isn’t the space for it,” the “About Damn Time” singer stated. “We’re celebrating CEOs and powerful women.” Instead, Lizzo joined Deputy Editorial Director Ellie Austin to discuss her music career, shapewear brand, and “gap year.”

Lizzo wore a strapless pinstriped black dress and black pointed-toe pumps to the three-day conference that brings together female leaders from business, education, government, sports, philanthropy, and the arts. Stylist Sergio Hudson layered the Watch Out for the Big Grrrls star’s dress over a white button-up and black tie. This created a strong, professional look, portraying exactly what Lizzo was there for: business.

Two months prior, Lizzo had posted an Instagram story explaining her “gap year” to “protect my peace,” as Billboard reports. However, the 36-year-old clarified to Austin, “It ain’t a gap year; it’s a grind year.” She continued, “I launched my company Yitty in 2022 at the same time as my album, Special … As soon as I stepped down home from tour — I may not be as public-facing — but I went straight to Yitty headquarters. And I’ve just been working, working, working. You may not see me, but I’ve been working.”

Lizzo shared how she’s approached 2024, prioritizing working out and making music. “Laying low” is another way to phrase things. The “Tempo” singer hadn’t stepped out publicly since mid-June when paparazzi spotted her out on the town in LA. Lizzo wore a distressed leather jacket and miniskirt for a special event, pausing to smile at the cameras.

As Lizzo takes refuge in music and workouts, the lawsuit, filed on behalf of former backup dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, is working its way through California courts. The “Truth Hurts” singer appealed the lawsuit, which alleges sexual harassment and a toxic work environment. Now, that motion must be resolved before things can move forward.

Lizzo does have something to look forward to. At Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit 2024, she told Austin that she’s “very close” to completing her fifth studio album. “I’m really, really proud of the music I’ve written,” which she explained focuses on body neutrality over body positivity.