As Oprah Winfrey famously questioned Lindsay Lohan, “So what is the truth?” In today’s world, where distractions are constant, pop stars need to be perpetually promoting themselves. For Dua Lipa, riding high on her successful debut album, the stakes were even higher for her second album, Future Nostalgia. Her team meticulously planned a traditional album rollout, complete with months of promotion and music video shoots, aiming for an April 3, 2020 release. This strategy was crucial for a dance-pop record designed for arenas and dance floors.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing Future Nostalgia‘s carefully laid plans to an abrupt stop shortly after the release of the second single, “Physical.” With the release date fast approaching, Lipa’s team had to pivot, finding virtual avenues to promote an album built for live, in-person experiences.
Initially, Dua Lipa appeared to be a staunch supporter of COVID-19 restrictions. During remote performances on The Tonight Show and in Zoom interviews with Elle, she seemed to embrace the new normal. Her Tonight Show performance of “Break My Heart” even concluded with a clear message: “stay home, save lives.” This public stance resonated with many who were adhering to strict lockdown measures.
However, as the initial shock of the pandemic subsided and travel restrictions began to ease, a different picture emerged. The continued success of Future Nostalgia was paramount, not just for album sales, but for Dua Lipa’s long-term career trajectory. The revised promotional cycle still necessitated travel. Yet, this travel came with a seemingly relaxed approach to public health guidelines across various countries. Over time, it became apparent that Dua Lipa’s personal actions didn’t always align with her public health messaging, suggesting a possible disconnect between marketing strategy and genuine belief. This discrepancy raised eyebrows and sparked conversations about celebrity responsibility during a global health crisis.
Many observed Dua Lipa’s evolving approach to COVID-19 with increasing curiosity and, for some, concern. To understand the extent of this shift, a detailed timeline of Dua Lipa’s pandemic travels and actions that appeared to deviate from recommended guidelines became necessary. This isn’t about criticism for the sake of it, but rather an objective look at the contrasting realities between those with the means to navigate pandemic restrictions differently and those who have had to adhere to them strictly.
March 10, 2020 – The Last Dinner Out
Just days before widespread COVID-19 restrictions took effect, Dua Lipa and her boyfriend Anwar Hadid were seen dining at The Ivy Asia in London. This marked one of the last public outings before the world began to shut down.
Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid at The Ivy Asia in London before lockdown
March 14, 2020 – Lockdown Commences
The UK officially reported a rise in COVID-19 cases to 1140, and the US expanded its European travel ban to include the UK. Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid found themselves staying in London as lockdowns began to be implemented.
March 27, 2020 – Future Nostalgia Arrives Early
Following an online leak, Dua Lipa made the decision to release Future Nostalgia a week ahead of schedule. New promotional plans were rapidly put in place. Just a day prior, Vulture playfully declared Dua Lipa the “quarantine queen.” When High Snobiety asked about this title a month later, Dua responded with humor, “I don’t know — it’s funny, I guess [laughs]. I hope that it brings back happy memories of the time we’re spending indoors.”
April 8, 2020 – Virtual Performance and “Stay Home” Message
Dua Lipa performed “Break My Heart” virtually on Fallon, concluding with a direct plea to viewers to “stay home, save lives.” This performance solidified her image as a celebrity advocating for responsible pandemic behavior.
Dua Lipa performs "Break My Heart" virtually on Fallon with a stay home message
April 11, 2020 – Public Service Announcement: Stay Home
Dua Lipa shared a “STAY AT HOME” PSA on social media, further encouraging her followers to help flatten the curve. This message reinforced the importance of collective action during the pandemic’s initial phase.
Dua Lipa's Stay At Home PSA on Twitter
April 15, 2020 – Foreshadowing Travel in Elle Interview
In an interview with Elle, Dua Lipa mentioned how much Anwar Hadid missed his family. This comment subtly hinted at the numerous visits they would make in the coming months, foreshadowing a shift in their pandemic behavior.
May 2020 – July 2020 – London Lockdown and Socially Distanced Shoots
Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid remained in London, sharing photos suggesting they were isolating together. In late June, they participated in a socially distanced shoot for Dua’s “Levitating (The Blessed Madonna Remix)” video. Anwar was cast as her love interest, reportedly due to COVID-19 social distancing measures limiting close contact with others outside of immediate households.
July 4, 2020 – Escape to St. Lucia
Just two weeks after a COVID-safe video shoot, Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid embarked on their first vacation since lockdowns began, traveling to St. Lucia. They shared photos from a resort, describing it as “island isolation.” This trip marked a significant departure from the “stay home” messaging and the start of their pandemic travels.
Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid vacationing in St. Lucia
July 7, 2020 – Pennsylvania Farm Visit
Influencer Leah McCarthy posted photos from a birthday picnic at the Hadid family farm in Pennsylvania. Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid were present, along with Gigi and Bella Hadid. Reports indicated that Gigi, Bella, and Leah had been isolating together on the farm. Despite Dua and Anwar’s recent international travel, everyone appeared to maintain distance in the photos.
Gigi and Bella Hadid with Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid at family farm in Pennsylvania
July 8, 2020 – “Hallucinate” Hypocrisy Tweet
After announcing an animated music video for “Hallucinate,” Dua Lipa responded to a fan’s playful criticism about the format. She tweeted, “Did you guys forget that we’ve been in the middle of a pandemic for the past 3 months???” This tweet, sent while in Pennsylvania after traveling from St. Lucia, struck some as ironic given her recent travels after advocating for staying home.
July 16, 2020 – New York City Sightings
Dua Lipa posted photos of herself in New York City. While maskless in an elevator, it was speculated to be a private elevator.
Dua Lipa maskless in an elevator in New York City
July 17, 2020 – SoHo Outing
Dua Lipa was seen maskless in SoHo, dining outdoors with Anwar Hadid and friends. While the exact distance to other tables wasn’t verifiable, removing masks on New York City streets was generally discouraged at the time without significant distancing.
July 18, 2020 – Park Gathering
Dua Lipa was spotted at a park with model Maya Stepper and a small group. They were photographed without masks while distanced from others. However, Maya Stepper was reportedly not part of Dua Lipa’s social bubble, raising questions about adherence to social distancing guidelines.
Dua Lipa and Maya Stepper maskless at a park in New York
July 30, 2020 – Los Angeles Arrival
Dua Lipa flew to California, posting photos of herself in Los Angeles. This marked another cross-country trip during the pandemic.
Dua Lipa in Los Angeles after flying from New York
August 5, 2020 – Maskless Studio Session with Miley Cyrus
Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus shared photos of themselves in a recording studio, presumably during the creation of “Prisoner.” Producer Watt, who worked on Future Nostalgia, was also present. None of them were wearing masks in the photos.
Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus in the studio maskless during pandemic
August 23, 2020 – 25th Birthday Party
Dua Lipa hosted a 25th birthday party. Photos from attendees showed approximately 15-20 maskless guests, including designer Devon Lee Carlson and singer Savannah Hudson.
Dua Lipa celebrates 25th birthday with maskless party
September 8, 2020 – Palm Springs Desert Trip
Dua Lipa and Savannah Hudson partied together, maskless, with a group of 8-10 friends in the Palm Springs desert.
Dua Lipa and friends in Palm Springs desert maskless
September 12, 2020 – James Corden Parody
Dua Lipa recorded a COVID parody of “New Rules” with James Corden in LA, which aired a week later. This collaboration involved travel and in-person filming for a comedic segment.
September 17, 2020 – Pennsylvania Farm Return
Dua Lipa flew back to Pennsylvania for another visit to the Hadid family farm. These frequent trips to the farm became a recurring pattern in her pandemic travels.
Dua Lipa back at the Hadid family farm in Pennsylvania
September 19, 2020 – New York Return
Dua Lipa arrived back in New York. This marked her return after recording with James Corden in LA. While domestic travel guidelines didn’t mandate isolation, reduced nonessential activities for 14 days were recommended.
September 30, 2020 – Sushi Outing
Following a day filming the “Prisoner” music video with Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid went out for sushi, considered a nonessential activity at the time.
October 11, 2020 – London Return
Dua Lipa officially returned to London, while Anwar Hadid remained in the US. She later posted throwback photos expressing missing him. In London, Dua Lipa focused on developing Studio 2054 and preparing for Quarter 4 performances.
October 16, 2020 – Legal Action Against Tabloid
News surfaced that Dua Lipa was pursuing legal action against The Sun after they claimed a music video shoot violated COVID regulations and involved police intervention. Dua Lipa defended the shoot on Instagram, suggesting other British celebrities had set worse examples.
Dua Lipa's Instagram story defending her music video shoot
November 22, 2020 – AMAs Performance
Dua Lipa performed at the AMAs. Despite the American awards show, her performance was filmed in London, highlighting the global nature of her work despite travel restrictions.
December 16, 2020 – US Return for SNL
Dua Lipa traveled back to New York to film promos and rehearse for SNL, which aired on December 19th. She was reportedly seen wearing a mask during this trip, coinciding with the emergence of a new COVID strain in the UK.
December 24, 2020 – Christmas with the Hadids
Dua Lipa posted photos with Gigi Hadid on Christmas Eve, making gingerbread houses. She spent Christmas in Pennsylvania with the Hadid family, continuing her pattern of farm visits.
December 26, 2020 – Anwar Hadid’s Anti-Vax Stance
Anwar Hadid expressed anti-vaccine sentiments on his Instagram story, stating he would not receive the COVID vaccine. This further underscored the couple’s seemingly relaxed approach to pandemic-related health measures.
Anwar Hadid's anti-vaccine statement on Instagram
December 30, 2020 – Cancel Culture Comments
In an interview with Attitude, Dua Lipa spoke out against cancel culture, describing it as “dangerous and toxic.” This comment was seen by some as ironic given the growing criticism of her pandemic travel habits.
January 1, 2021 – Tulum New Year’s Trip
Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid traveled to Tulum, Mexico, to celebrate the New Year. Social media posts indicated a group of 14-15 maskless people were in attendance.
January 12, 2021 – Fan Backlash on Twitter
Fans criticized Dua Lipa on Twitter for posting vacation photos amidst ongoing global travel restrictions and public health concerns.
Fan criticism of Dua Lipa's vacation photos on Twitter
January 13, 2021 – Los Angeles Return
Dua Lipa arrived back in Los Angeles, marking her return from her Tulum vacation.
Where would Dua Lipa’s pandemic world tour take her next? For many, the extensive travels of celebrities during the pandemic highlighted a stark contrast with their own restricted lives. While compiling this timeline, the disparity between the experiences of celebrities and the general public became increasingly clear. For many celebrities, the pandemic seemed to be an inconvenience to navigate, rather than a crisis demanding collective responsibility. This reality, though disappointing, was perhaps not entirely surprising. Despite the aspiration for relatability, the pandemic underscored the fundamental differences in how celebrities and everyday individuals experienced and responded to global events. However, despite these observations, the music, like “Levitating,” remained enjoyable for many, including those critical of celebrity pandemic behaviors.
