The song has been replaced with a new version on streaming platforms
Lizzo has removed an offensive term for disabled people from her latest single after a backlash from fans online.
On Friday, the popstar released ‘Grrrls’, the latest track from her upcoming album Special. In the opening verse of the song, the singer used a derogatory term for someone suffering from spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy.
The 34-year-old has become famous for promoting body confidence, acceptance and self-love with her music.
On the songs release, several took to social media to voice their unhappiness with the use of the ableist slur.
One wrote that the term is “really offensive to the disabled community.”
Hey @lizzo please remove the word "spaz" from your new song because it's a slur and really offensive to the disabled community
From a disappointed fan 😔💔
— Shelby 🖤 (@Shelbykinsxo) June 10, 2022
Another said they were “disappointed” in the popstar and that there is “no excuse for using an ableist insult in a song in 2022.”
I’m disappointed in @lizzo for using the word “sp@z” in her new song “Grrrls”. There’s no excuse for using an ableist insult in a song in 2022. As someone who champions women, plus size people and others whom society treats poorly, Lizzo preaches inclusivity and should do better.
— Callum Stephen (He/Him) (@AutisticCallum_) June 11, 2022
A third said the use of the word made them “angry and sad.”
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
Lizzo has since apologised for the lyric, saying that “as a fat black woman in America” she understands the “power words can have.”
In a written public apology released on Monday, the singer wrote: “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
She continued: “I’m proud to say there’s a new version of GRRRLS with a lyric change. 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.”
The song had yet to be released in physical copies, and the new version has replaced the original on streaming services including Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube.
The offensive term has been replaced with the new lyric “hold me back.”
The ‘About Damn Time’ singer has since been thanked by fans for listening to them.
I’m going to cry 😭 Thank you so much for hearing us Lizzo and for understanding that this was only ever meant gently and being open to learning, it honestly means the world ❤️. You’re a real true ally https://t.co/RbQCbAwpR6
— Hannah Diviney (@hannah_diviney) June 13, 2022
Lizzo’s third studio album Special is set to be released on July 15.
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