Pop superstar Lizzo has found herself at the center of a public controversy following her new partnership with restaurant chain Chili’s, which sees her promoting their baby back ribs. The animal rights organization PETA has publicly condemned the singer, particularly highlighting her past commitment to veganism, which she maintained for several years.

PETA launched a scathing critique on Wednesday via Instagram, sharing a video that juxtaposed Lizzo’s Chili’s commercial with disturbing footage of pigs enduring abuse and mistreatment within the meat industry. The organization’s caption explicitly challenged Lizzo, stating, “PIGS WANT THEIR RIBS BACK.” The post further implored, “It’s about damn time you found a conscience, @lizzobeeating,” and directly questioned her decision: “The truth hurts, right? Here’s the truth behind your @chilis jingle: using the flesh and bones of an animal who was violently killed as an ‘instrument’ is beyond grotesque. What happened to you?” Billboard has reportedly reached out to Lizzo’s representatives for comment regarding the severe message.

The intense backlash from PETA emerged shortly after the launch of Lizzo’s Chili’s campaign. In the commercial, the Grammy winner is featured performing an updated rendition of the iconic “Baby Back Ribs” jingle, notably utilizing a giant rib prop as a “rib flute.” This promotional effort marked a significant shift from her public image as a vegan advocate.

Lizzo addressed her dietary changes and the Chili’s partnership in an interview with Billboard. She revealed that she was vegan for a few years before publicly announcing in 2024 that she had begun consuming animal protein again. Explaining her reasoning for the prior announcement, Lizzo stated, “I think that I’m very sensitive about the way I deliver personal news to the world.” She elaborated on her nervousness about potentially disappointing or "hurting people’s feelings" by changing her diet, emphasizing the importance of being transparent. “It was important for me to say that back then, because of things like this now,” she explained, suggesting it would have been "super jarring" for her to suddenly be seen eating ribs in 2026 after being vegan in 2021 without prior context. Her aim was to "clear the air" so that her current decisions would be understood.

Furthermore, Lizzo clarified that her engagement with the Chili’s campaign is intended to showcase her “fun, love-to-eat foodie side” rather than her established “health advocacy side.” She even noted that she would pursue a career as a food influencer if she were not a musician. Despite the robust criticism from PETA, Lizzo appears to be embracing what she terms her “baby back ribs era,” as evidenced by a TikTok video she posted on Thursday, May 28, showing herself enjoying a plate of Chili’s baby back ribs. This comes as the artist prepares for the release of her new album, "Bitch," scheduled for June 5.