Zara Larsson has said she has lost multiple business opportunities because she speaks openly about social and political issues. In an interview, the Swedish pop star discussed how growing up online shaped her awareness of injustice and influenced her decision to express her views publicly.
Asked about the professional cost of being outspoken, Larsson replied, 'There's many.' The singer did not identify the companies involved or disclose the financial value of the deals she referenced. Her comments came during a conversation with fellow Swedish pop star Robyn for Rolling Stone's Musicians on Musicians series, published on Tuesday, 13 October.
Zara Larsson Explains How the Internet Shaped Her Views
Larsson said her interest in social and political issues developed when she was young and began reading more about the world. She started a blog at around 13 or 14, where she would discuss subjects with people who disagreed with her.
'Growing up with the internet, I used to have a blog. I had it really young, from 13 or 14. I started reading more about the news, and I just got a bigger picture of the world and the injustices that happen,' she said.
The singer also mentioned Tumblr, Wikipedia and following feminist voices online as influences on her understanding of social issues. She said she became more aware of injustice and learned how to explain why she disagreed with certain opinions.
Larsson's comments fed into a wider discussion about the challenges female pop stars face when expressing themselves publicly. During the conversation, Larsson said that speaking about subjects such as abortion, immigration and human rights felt natural to her, even when her opinions attracted criticism.
Singer Previously Revealed Loss of $3 Million Brand Deal
Larsson has previously discussed a specific financial consequence of her outspoken views. In an interview published on 3 April 2026, she said she had lost a $3 million (£2.25 million) brand deal after a social media exchange about abortion.
The incident followed a TikTok post by a fan who said she had been unaware she was pregnant when she attended one of Larsson's concerts and later had an abortion. Larsson responded to the post with a humorous comment about the fan's experience, prompting public discussion and criticism.
'I mean just lately, the abortion joke, which is very funny by the way, I lost a $3 million deal which is like what the f*ck,' the singer revealed.
Larsson also said the lost deal was the largest brand opportunity she had been offered. She also defended her approach to discussing abortion, arguing that humour could make conversations about serious subjects more accessible.
The $3 million deal is a specific example Larsson has publicly linked to her comments about abortion. However, she has not publicly identified the company involved, and the available reporting does not establish the identities or financial value of the other deals she mentioned in her interview.
Zara Larsson's Career Beyond Music
Larsson first rose to prominence after winning the Swedish talent competition Talang in 2008. She later achieved international success with songs including 'Lush Life' and 'Never Forget You', released in 2015, as well as 'Symphony', her 2017 collaboration with Clean Bandit.
Her fifth studio album, Midnight Sun, was released in 2025 and marked another chapter in her international pop career. Alongside her music, Larsson has continued to use interviews and social media to express her views on issues beyond the entertainment industry.
Alongside her music, Larsson has continued to speak publicly about social and political issues. In her conversation with Robyn, she discussed how growing up online shaped her awareness of injustice and influenced her willingness to express opinions that may not always be well received. Her comments also revisited the tension between maintaining a public career and speaking openly about personal beliefs.
