What Happened To Lindsay Lohan? Reason Behind The Mean Girls Star Leaving Hollywood

Lindsay Lohan recently opened up about her decision to step back from the Hollywood spotlight, offering fans a glimpse into the reasons behind her move away from the public eye.

After gaining fame through iconic roles like her part in “Mean Girls,” Lohan decided to relocate, first to London and eventually settling in Dubai.

She revealed that the pressures of life in Hollywood, along with the intense media scrutiny, took a toll on her mental and emotional well-being.

Moving away allowed her to regain a sense of privacy and balance, making it a much-needed and positive change for her overall health.

“I feel like some of [my work] got overshadowed by paparazzi and all that kind of stuff when I was younger, and that’s kind of annoying,” Lindsay told Bustle in an interview.

“I wish that part didn’t happen.”

The Freaky Friday star continued,

“I feel like that kind of took on a life of its own. So that’s why I wanted to disappear. I was like, ‘Unless there’s no story here, they’re not going to focus on just my work.'”

Lindsay Lohan highlighted how, before she temporarily left the entertainment industry, her life was relentlessly scrutinized by the paparazzi and became the subject of constant public speculation.

She pointed out that this level of invasive media attention was far more intense during her time than what younger stars experience today.

Lohan noted that the current generation of celebrities has more control over their narratives, thanks in part to social media, which allows them to share their stories directly with fans.

In contrast, she had to detail the challenges of fame in an era where the media often dictated the narrative, leading to immense pressure and ultimately her decision to step away.

“Social media is so different now than when I was younger, that everyone has control of their own story,” she reflected, though it doesn’t mean she’s picking up a tabloid magazine anytime soon.

“I don’t really pay attention to that. I don’t really read stuff that comes out either. ‘Cause I know how it works, so there’s no point. And if you immerse yourself in that stuff, you’re just going to get lost, and it can just do so much to you.”

Lindsay Lohan has indeed made a significant return to the entertainment industry in recent years, delighting fans with her comeback.

After spending a considerable time away from the limelight, the 37-year-old actress made a memorable cameo appearance in the 2023 musical remake of her iconic film Mean Girls.

Additionally, Lohan signed a two-movie deal with Netflix, kicking off with the 2022 holiday film Falling for Christmas and soon to be followed by Irish Wish.

However, this comeback is different for Lohan, as she now balances her career with motherhood.

With the arrival of her 8-month-old son, Luai, whom she shares with her husband Bader Shammas, Lohan has adopted a more thoughtful approach to choosing her projects. The Parent Trap star now prioritizes roles that align with her new responsibilities as a mother, ensuring that her career decisions are made with her family in mind.

This new chapter in her life has added depth to her return, as she navigates the industry with both professional and personal considerations.

“I want to do things that my son can see,” she told. “But I also want to do things that inspire me.”

She added,

“It’s a learning process—I’m having a different go at it. Figuring out what I want to do and how I want to do it.”

But even as she navigates the learning curve of parenthood, she is already looking towards the future—and baby number two.

“I was lucky enough to have a sibling,” Lindsay—who is sister to Michael Lohan Jr., 36, Aliana Lohan, 30, andDakota Lohan, 27—said on the March 14 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show. “So I want Luai to have that.”

She added, with a laugh,

“Having a baby, you’re like, ‘Oh, I want another.'”