Full Breakdown
Lizzo's *Bitch* Misses Charts Amid Streaming Shifts and Legal Dispute
6/28/2026, 7:59:17 PM
Chart Performance of *Bitch*
Lizzo’s fifth album *Bitch* was released on June 5, 2024, but within two weeks it failed to enter the top 100 of either the U.S. Billboard 200 or the U.K. Official Albums Chart, a stark drop from her prior chart history.
Industry Shifts and Prior Success
Streaming now dominates music discovery, reducing the radio exposure that once propelled Lizzo’s hits. She once called herself a “radio darling.” *Special* (2022) peaked at #2 U.S., #6 U.K.; *Cuz I Love You* (2019) hit #4 U.S., #30 U.K.
Key Data
- Release: June 5, 2024
- Chart: No top-100 placement (U.S. Billboard 200, U.K. Official Albums)
- *Special*: #2 U.S., #6 U.K. (2022)
- *Cuz I Love You*: #4 U.S., #30 U.K. (2019)
Official Statements & Responses
Lizzo said the shift to streaming promotion explains the album’s underperformance and signals an evolving listener relationship. She denied the 2023 lawsuit by three former backup dancers, calling it a “fabricated sob story” and saying the truth is less sensational than the headlines. She also rejected claims of disparaging other artists, stating she never spoke negatively about any fellow musician.
Criticism & Opposition
The 2023 lawsuit by Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez alleges sexual harassment and a hostile work environment from 2021-2023; Lizzo calls it a “fabricated sob story.” Commentators link the chart failure to these allegations and to accusations that she threw shade at Taylor Swift, which she answered by urging fans to “grow up.” Nicki Minaj criticized record, prompting a response on alternate edition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Lizzo attributes the poor chart showing to algorithmic sequencing issues, while others cite the lawsuit and public disputes as primary causes. No independent streaming or sales figures have been released, leaving the exact impact of each factor unverified.
Why It Matters
The episode shows how algorithm-driven platforms can reshape commercial outcomes for artists formerly reliant on radio, and how legal disputes can affect sales, prompting industry reassessment of promotion and crisis management.
What's Next
Lizzo continues to engage with “stan” accounts on social media and plans further promotional pushes for *Bitch*. Motions to dismiss the lawsuit remain pending, and future releases or tours may be shaped by the case’s outcome and evolving streaming algorithms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was really stressed and really sad for a few days because this is some of my best stuff,” — Lizzo, interview on the Swiftologist podcast
- “the truth is less salacious than the headlines” — Lizzo, statement regarding the 2023 lawsuit
- “interacting with a bunch of stan accounts lately” — Lizzo, social-media comment on promotion of *Bitch*
- “grow up” — Lizzo, response to fans accusing her of shade toward Taylor Swift
