What happened to Lilly Sabri? Details explored as influencer returns to social media after 18 months hiatus

After an 18-month break from social media, British fitness influencer Lilly Sabri made her return in April 2025, opening up to the BBC about the personal crisis she faced during her time away. On Instagram, the influencer wrote:

“The last year and a half has been incredibly challenging, and at times, it got dark. I didn’t know how I’d make it through."

“18 months ago, I woke to thousands of messages and comments on social media after a podcast went live in the UK. That morning, my world fell apart. Everything I had known and trusted blew up in front of millions of people.”

Known to have a large fan base for her dynamic fitness and health content which she has built up over the years, Sabri has followers of over 6 million. At the same time however, on a very personal front she was going through a tough time which in the end would transform also her business.

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What happened to Lilly Sabri?

The sudden dissolution of Lilly Sabri's engagement in late 2023 sent shockwaves through her community. Though details were never publicly confirmed by the couple, speculation and public interest surged following a popular podcast episode that triggered a digital firestorm. For Sabri, the ensuing attention proved overwhelming.

The aftermath, however, extended beyond the emotional. As a co-founder of Lean With Lilly, Sabri was also forced to confront the complexities of severing professional ties with her former partner. This meant a complete restructuring of the brand she had built from the ground up—raising capital to buy out her ex, relocating from Dubai to the UK, and significantly downsizing her team.

Lilly Sabri opens up about the 18 months hiatus

Lilly Sabri said that she needs a break from social media. She told the BBC:

"I just had to get away from social media. People wanted answers, people wanted to see even more into my life, even when I asked for privacy. All I could do was control my own reaction and that meant withdrawing and protecting myself and my family."

"It was very humbling and very difficult," she said. "I was trying to manage the heartbreak and the shock combined with keeping the business afloat."

Sabri also said that she had learned a lot from the heart-breaking experience:

"I've learned people will constantly want more the more you give," she said. "It can lead to a lot of exposure because you're chasing likes or you feel that's what your customers want."

"I'm not going to be showing my personal relationships, I've been too scarred, and I can't do it again," she added. "Be mindful about what you're sharing, because once it's online, it's online forever."

With her personal life thrust into the spotlight, Sabri made the decision to retreat, prioritizing her mental health and the well-being of her family. And now, she returned to social media.

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