Singer Lizzo changes offensive lyric in new song after backlash
Famed Truth Hurts singer, Lizzo has been forced to change the lyrics of her new song, Grrrls, after she received online backlash for using an abelist slur.
The single was released on June 10 and features on her upcoming album, Special. The album will be releasing in July 2022.
The word s**z is used by the singer in the opening verse. The word is a derogatory term for spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy.
Other than long-term fans, disability advocates have also voiced their concern over Lizzo’s song. Multiple disability advocates have highlighted the history and offensive nature of the slur. Here is what some said on Twitter:
1.
Hey @lizzo please remove the word 'spaz' from your new song because it's a slur and really offensive to the disabled community
— Shelby ? (@Shelbykinsxo) June 10, 2022
From a disappointed fan ??
2.
Hey @lizzo my disability Cerebral Palsy is literally classified as Spastic Diplegia (where spasticity refers to unending painful tightness in my legs) your new song makes me pretty angry + sad. ‘Spaz’ doesn’t mean freaked out or crazy. It’s an ableist slur. It’s 2022. Do better.
— Hannah Diviney (@hannah_diviney) June 12, 2022
In response, Lizzo issued an apology on June 13. The singer said, “It has been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song Grrrls. Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language. As a fat black woman in America, I have had many hurtful words used against me so I understand the power words can have (whether intentionally, or in my case, unintentionally.)”
— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) June 13, 2022
Subsequently, in the same statement, Lizzo stated that she is changing the lyrics to the song. The statement read, “This is the result of me listening and taking action. As an influential artist I’m dedicated to being part of the change I’ve been waiting to see in the world.”
While Grrls is not yet available for physical purchase, the song is available on multiple streaming services without the abelist slur.