Lizzo’s Bizarre Chili’s Commercial Sparks Outrage: ‘What Happened to You?’

Lizzo is drawing sharp criticism after appearing in a promotional video for Chili's that shows the singer performing a version of the restaurant's baby back ribs jingle, prompting fans and animal-rights groups to accuse her of selling out and abandoning past dietary commitments.

According to People, the May 27 clip shows Lizzo on the phone telling a Chili's employee she "will never, ever, ever" sing the chain's rib jingle, then stopping mid-sentence and asking, "Wait! How much?!" The video cuts to Lizzo in a Chili's uniform singing and later performing in a sparkling red dress while playfully blowing into a rib-shaped flute.

Reaction on social media was swift and mixed, with many users expressing disappointment. "I want my ... money back ... money back," one commenter wrote. Others called the spot a betrayal of Lizzo's earlier vegan advocacy, with messages such as "When gettin' the bag is a factor all vegetables go out the door."

PETA reposted a snippet of the ad on Instagram, calling the stunt beyond grotesque and accusing Lizzo of using the flesh and bones of an animal who was violently killed as an 'instrument. The group's post urged the singer to find a conscience, and urged followers to consider the treatment of animals.

Lizzo did not respond directly to PETA, but answered a fan on X about her current diet. When asked what her go-to Chili's order would be, she listed several menu items "— and a side of baby back ribs ofc." She later clarified, "Haven't been vegan since Nov 2024! I announced it about a year and a half ago."

Atlanta Black Star reported that, the singer first adopted a vegan diet in 2020 and publicly described herself as a former vegan last year after experimenting with diets that included animal protein while traveling in Japan. She said at the time that adding animal proteins improved her energy and reduced mental fog, though she maintained that she respected veganism as a choice for others.

The Chili's spot arrives amid a broader, rocky period for Lizzo's album rollout, which has prompted accusations from some fans that elements of her campaign echoed strategies used by fellow rapper Cardi B — charges Lizzo has acknowledged in part by saying she was inspired by the approach.

Chili's did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lizzo's representatives also did not respond to requests for additional comment on the ad or the backlash.

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