Dua Lipa has opened up about her experience with online bullying, saying negative social media commentary early in her career affected her confidence and mental well-being.
In a resurfaced interview with Attitude Magazine, the pop star recalled facing intense criticism following the release of her debut record, describing it as a difficult period marked by self-doubt and anxiety.
“I experienced a lot of bullying at the end of my first record,” she said, adding that the backlash made her question her place in the music industry. “It gave me anxiety, made me upset and feel like I wasn’t good enough.”
Lipa said the criticism continued even after major career milestones, including recognition at the Grammy Awards, where she still faced scepticism from some online users.
The singer highlighted how social media can amplify isolated moments, noting that short clips taken out of context often shaped public perception. “They would take one small snippet and run with it, and it would become a whole thing,” she said.
She pointed to early criticism of her stage presence, saying that viral clips did not reflect her full performances. “People judged without ever seeing me live,” she added.
Lipa said the experience temporarily affected her mental health, particularly during live shows. She recalled feeling self-conscious on stage, worrying that audience members recording her performances might use the footage to mock her.
“For a short period of time, it messed with my mental health,” she said, describing how the fear of online ridicule changed her mindset while performing.
The singer’s comments come amid broader discussions about the impact of social media on artists and public figures, with many calling for greater awareness around online behaviour and its consequences.