As Oprah Winfrey famously questioned Lindsay Lohan, “So what is the truth?” In today’s world, where distractions are constant and choices are endless, pop stars must maintain a perpetual state of promotion to succeed. For Dua Lipa, whose debut album achieved significant success in the UK and moderate traction in the US, a strong second album was crucial to solidify her status as a pop icon rather than a fleeting trend. Lipa and her team meticulously planned the rollout of Future Nostalgia months in advance, a traditional approach for a dance-pop record defying current industry norms, with scheduled promotions and music video shoots leading up to its planned release on April 3, 2020.
However, just after the release of the album’s second single, “Physical,” the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions brought Future Nostalgia‘s promotional campaign to an abrupt halt. With the release date fast approaching, Lipa’s team had to innovate rapidly, finding virtual strategies to promote an album designed for arenas, festivals, and dance floors.
Initially, as Lipa promoted the album through remote performances on The Tonight Show and Zoom interviews with Elle, she appeared to be a staunch supporter of COVID-19 restrictions. Her Tonight Show rendition of “Break My Heart” concluded with a clear message to viewers: “stay home, save lives.” This public stance created an image of responsibility and social awareness, aligning with global health recommendations.
However, as the months passed and travel restrictions began to ease, a different narrative emerged. It became apparent that Lipa’s commitment to staying home was not as steadfast as her public pronouncements suggested. The ongoing success of Future Nostalgia was paramount, not just for the album’s longevity but for Dua Lipa’s career trajectory. The revised promotional cycle for the record still necessitated travel for Lipa. This “Travel Dua”, as it would come to be seen by some, began to contrast sharply with her earlier “stay home” messaging. This travel, however, came with a perceived inconsistency in adhering to public health guidelines across various countries, raising questions about the sincerity of her initial endorsements of these measures. It suggested that her encouragement for fans to follow guidelines might have been more of a calculated marketing strategy than a deeply held conviction.
Many observers, including myself, noticed a gradual shift in Dua Lipa’s approach to COVID-19, becoming increasingly relaxed over time. To understand this apparent contradiction, I decided to investigate and create a detailed timeline of Dua Lipa’s pandemic travels and actions that seemed to deviate from recommended guidelines. It’s important to state upfront that I am a fan of Lipa’s music. This is not an attempt to criticize her unfairly but to document the divergence between the lives of those with the means to navigate restrictions differently and the experiences of many others who have adhered more strictly to public health recommendations.
March 10, 2020 – The Last Supper in London
Just days before significant COVID restrictions were implemented, Dua Lipa and her boyfriend, Anwar Hadid, were seen dining out at The Ivy Asia in London. This outing occurred as the initial wave of concern and preventative measures began to emerge in the UK.
Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid dining at The Ivy Asia in London on March 10, 2020
March 14, 2020 – Lockdown Begins in the UK
As the UK confirmed a rise in COVID cases to 1140 and the US extended its European travel ban to include the UK, Dua and Anwar found themselves in London as lockdowns began to take effect. This period marked the start of widespread restrictions and uncertainty for many globally.
March 27, 2020 – Future Nostalgia Arrives Early
Following an online leak, Dua Lipa released Future Nostalgia a week ahead of schedule. This prompted a rapid restructuring of promotional strategies to adapt to the new circumstances. Just a day prior, Vulture playfully dubbed Dua Lipa the “quarantine queen.” When asked about this title a month later by High Snobiety, Dua responded, “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.” This early branding linked her album to the quarantine experience, setting a tone of solidarity.
April 8, 2020 – Virtual Performance and “Stay Home” Message
Dua Lipa delivered a virtual performance of “Break My Heart” on Fallon, concluding with a direct plea to her audience to “stay home, save lives.” This performance and message reinforced her public image as someone advocating for responsible behavior during the pandemic.
Dua Lipa performing "Break My Heart" virtually on Fallon, urging viewers to stay home and save lives
April 11, 2020 – Public Service Announcement: “STAY AT HOME”
Dua Lipa amplified her message by posting a “STAY AT HOME” PSA, encouraging her followers to participate in flattening the curve. This was a period when public health campaigns heavily emphasized collective action and staying home to limit the spread of the virus.
[DUA LIPA @DUALIPA
PSA – STAY AT HOME 💔
Image](https://twitter.com/DUALIPA/status/1248971246798278665)[1:48 PM ∙ Apr 11, 2020139,218Likes29,859Retweets](https://twitter.com/DUALIPA/status/1248971246798278665)
April 15, 2020 – Foreshadowing Travel in Elle Interview
In an interview with Elle, Dua mentioned Anwar’s longing to see his family. This statement subtly hinted at future travel plans to visit family, which would soon become a recurring theme.
May 2020 – July 2020 – London Isolation and Socially Distanced Video Shoot
Dua and Anwar remained in London, sharing images online suggesting they were isolating together. In late June, they participated in a socially distanced video shoot for the “Levitating (The Blessed Madonna Remix)” video. Anwar was cast as Lipa’s love interest, a decision reportedly made to comply with COVID-19 social distancing measures during filming.
July 4, 2020 – St. Lucia “Island Isolation” Getaway
Just two weeks after a COVID-safe video shoot, Dua and Anwar embarked on their first of several vacations. They traveled to St. Lucia, posting photographs from a resort, describing it as “island isolation.” This trip marked a shift from their previously portrayed image of strict adherence to lockdown measures.
Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid in St. Lucia, July 2020, labeled as "island isolation"
July 7, 2020 – Pennsylvania Farm Visit and Family Picnic
Influencer Leah McCarthy posted photos from a birthday picnic at the Hadid family farm in Pennsylvania. Dua and Anwar 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, the photos suggested social distancing was maintained at the picnic.
Hadid family picnic at their Pennsylvania farm in July 2020, Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid present
July 8, 2020 – “Hallucinate” Music Video and Pandemic Tweet
After announcing an animated music video for “Hallucinate,” Dua Lipa responded to a fan’s lighthearted criticism about the animated format by tweeting, “Did you guys forget that we’ve been in the middle of a pandemic for the past 3 months???” This tweet, made while in Pennsylvania after returning from St. Lucia, highlighted the growing discrepancy between her public messaging and her own actions.
[DUA LIPA @DUALIPA
Did you guys forget that we’ve been in the middle of a pandemic for the past 3 months??? 😂😂
Karnan @karnangomez
Ok dua I didn’t wait so Long for hallucinate to get an animated MV](https://twitter.com/DUALIPA/status/1280873070480306178)[2:35 PM ∙ Jul 8, 202080,787Likes5,817Retweets](https://twitter.com/DUALIPA/status/1280873070480306178)
July 16, 2020 – New York City Visit
Dua posted pictures of herself in New York City. While maskless in an elevator, it was speculated to be a private elevator, though public health guidelines still emphasized mask-wearing in indoor public spaces.
Dua Lipa in an elevator in New York City, maskless, July 2020
July 17, 2020 – SoHo Outing, Maskless
Dua was spotted maskless in SoHo, dining outdoors with Anwar and friends. Although dining outdoors was considered safer, removing masks while walking in public in New York City was still against public health recommendations at the time.
July 18, 2020 – Park Outing with Maya Stepper
Dua was seen at a park with model Maya Stepper and a group. They were photographed removing their masks while in a park, away from others. However, it was noted that Maya Stepper was not part of Dua’s known “pod,” raising questions about adherence to social bubble guidelines.
Dua Lipa and Maya Stepper at a park in July 2020, photographed without masks
July 30, 2020 – Los Angeles Arrival
Dua traveled to California, posting photos of herself in Los Angeles. This marked another instance of domestic travel during the pandemic.
Dua Lipa in Los Angeles, California, July 2020
August 5, 2020 – Studio Session with Miley Cyrus, Maskless
Dua and Miley Cyrus shared photos of themselves in a recording studio, reportedly during the recording of “Prisoner.” Producer Watt, who worked on Future Nostalgia, was also present. None of them were wearing masks in the photos, raising concerns about studio safety protocols.
Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus in a recording studio, maskless, August 2020
August 23, 2020 – 25th Birthday Party
Dua hosted a 25th birthday party. Social media posts from attendees showed approximately 15-20 people present, including iPhone case designer Devon Lee Carlson, singer Savannah Hudson, and costume designer Johnny Wujek, with no masks visible in the photos. This event drew criticism for appearing to disregard guidelines on gathering sizes and mask usage.
Dua Lipa's 25th birthday party, August 2020, attendees maskless
September 8, 2020 – Palm Springs Desert Trip
Dua Lipa and Savannah Hudson were again seen partying together, maskless, with a group of 8-10 friends in Palm Springs. This trip further fueled the perception of relaxed attitudes toward pandemic precautions.
Dua Lipa and Savannah Hudson in Palm Springs, maskless, September 2020
September 12, 2020 – James Corden Parody in LA
Dua recorded a COVID-themed parody of “New Rules” with James Corden in Los Angeles. This collaboration, while intended to be lighthearted, came under scrutiny given the ongoing context of the pandemic and travel concerns.
September 17, 2020 – Pennsylvania Farm Return
Dua flew back to Pennsylvania, spending a few days at the Hadid farm. This marked yet another instance of cross-country travel.
Dua Lipa at the Hadid farm in Pennsylvania, September 2020
September 19, 2020 – New York City Return
Dua arrived back in New York City, just one week after recording with James Corden in LA. While domestic travel guidelines were less strict, the CDC recommended reducing nonessential activities for 14 days after travel, which her subsequent actions would contradict.
September 30, 2020 – Sushi Outing After “Prisoner” Shoot
After filming the music video for “Prisoner” with Miley Cyrus, Dua and Anwar went out for sushi. Dining out was considered a nonessential activity in many areas at this time, and this outing further contributed to the narrative of relaxed adherence to guidelines.
October 11, 2020 – London Return, Anwar Stays in US
Dua returned to London, while Anwar remained in the United States. In London, Dua focused on developing her Studio 2054 live stream event and preparing for upcoming performances.
October 16, 2020 – Legal Response to COVID Regulation Claims
News surfaced that Dua Lipa was pursuing legal action against The Sun after the tabloid claimed a music video shoot she was involved in had violated COVID regulations and prompted police intervention. Dua defended herself on Instagram, arguing that other British celebrities had set worse examples. This incident highlighted the increasing scrutiny surrounding celebrity compliance with pandemic rules.
Dua Lipa responding to claims about COVID regulation violations on a music video set, October 2020
November 22, 2020 – AMAs Performance from London
Dua performed at the American Music Awards, although her performance was filmed in London. This demonstrated the continued need for international coordination and remote production even for American events.
December 16, 2020 – SNL Prep in New York
Dua returned to New York to film promotional content and rehearse for her upcoming Saturday Night Live appearance on December 19th. Notably, she was not publicly seen maskless during this trip, a period when concerns about a new COVID strain emerging from the UK were rising.
December 24, 2020 – Christmas Eve with the Hadids
Dua shared pictures of herself with Gigi Hadid on Christmas Eve making gingerbread houses. She spent Christmas with the Hadid family in Pennsylvania, continuing her pattern of travel between the US and UK.
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 solidified the perception of a dismissive attitude towards pandemic health measures within the couple.
Anwar Hadid's Instagram story expressing anti-vaccine views, December 2020
December 30, 2020 – Cancel Culture Comments in Attitude Interview
In an interview with Attitude magazine, Dua Lipa spoke out against cancel culture, labeling it as “dangerous and toxic.” This comment was perceived by some as ironic, given the ongoing discussions about accountability and responsible behavior during the pandemic, including celebrity actions.
January 1, 2021 – Tulum, Mexico New Year’s Trip
Dua and Anwar traveled to Tulum, Mexico, to celebrate the New Year. Social media evidence suggested a group of 14-15 people were in attendance, all maskless. This international trip during a surge in cases drew significant criticism online.
January 12, 2021 – Fan Backlash on Social Media
Fans publicly criticized Dua on Twitter for posting vacation photos from other countries, highlighting the perceived disconnect between her actions and the global health crisis.
Twitter criticism of Dua Lipa's vacation photos during the pandemic, January 2021
January 13, 2021 – Return to Los Angeles
Dua arrived back in Los Angeles, concluding this documented period of extensive travel.
Dua Lipa’s pandemic “travel dua” raises important questions about celebrity responsibility during a global crisis. While the timeline highlights her extensive travel and instances of seemingly relaxed adherence to public health guidelines, it also reveals a broader issue of how the pandemic was experienced and navigated differently across socioeconomic lines. For many celebrities, the pandemic presented inconveniences rather than fundamental disruptions to their lifestyles. This timeline serves as a record of a specific period, inviting reflection on the complexities of public messaging, personal actions, and the varying realities of pandemic life. Despite these observations, the music of Future Nostalgia, including tracks like “Levitating,” continued to be widely enjoyed, demonstrating a potential separation between public perception of celebrity behavior and appreciation for their artistic output.
