Judge Joe Brown Sparks Outrage After Going Off on Lizzo in Viral Rant
Written by b87fm on 10/01/2025
Former TV judge Joe Brown is facing heavy criticism after a new interview in which he launched a series of insulting remarks aimed at Lizzo, focusing on her appearance rather than her music. The comments, made during an appearance on The Art of Dialogue, quickly went viral and have been widely condemned online as fatphobic and disrespectful.
Brown took particular issue with Lizzo’s 2022 performance at the Library of Congress, where she made history by playing President James Madison’s centuries-old crystal flute. Rather than celebrating the moment, Brown mocked her choice of outfit and appearance.
“She shows up naked with a flimsy little piece of lingerie on, looking like a Hogzilla playing that glass flute,” he said. While acknowledging Lizzo’s talent, he questioned, “Yes, she has talent, but what is she doing?”
The former judge then launched into a broader rant about body image and beauty standards. Comparing past Sports Illustrated cover models to today’s, he claimed they once had “toned bodies, looked like racehorses,” but now feature “fat slobs” who “couldn’t run from the porch to the sidewalk.”
Judge Joe Brown calls Lizzo “HogZilla” & says she’s an embarrassment.
(🎥: The Art Of Dialogue/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/SEBJ2Lyudb
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) September 29, 2025
Brown’s commentary grew even more insulting as he compared Lizzo to Miss Piggy and Gloria the hippo from Madagascar. He claimed that celebrating larger bodies is dangerous and suggested Lizzo’s confidence was fake.
“That woman detests and despises herself,” Brown said. “She needs help, not adulation.”
The interview sparked outrage across social media, with many calling Brown’s comments outdated, cruel, and misogynistic. Lizzo, whose brand has long centered around self-love, empowerment, and body positivity, has not responded publicly to the remarks.
While some defended Brown’s right to voice his opinion, the overwhelming response online has been that his comments reflect a broader cultural bias against body diversity — a bias Lizzo has spent her career challenging.
