Emily Brown
Lizzo has changed a lyric in her new song after activists criticised her for using an ableist slur.
The American singer released her track 'Grrrls' on Friday (10 June) as part of her upcoming album Special, however it quickly sparked controversy over the opening verse in which she referred to herself as a 'spaz'.
The lyric sparked backlash online, with disability activists noting the term is a derogatory word stemming from terms used to describe conditions of certain movement disorders and cerebral palsy.
"Oh @lizzo. A VERY influential figure, using the word sp@z in her new song. An offensive and derogatory term. As someone who’s written about the use of disability language, especially slang/slur words which have been used in schools, this is a huge step back. Please, remove it," one listener wrote online.
Another commented: "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."
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Following the responses, Lizzo took to Instagram to release a statement in which she said it had been 'brought to [her] attention' that 'Grrrls' contained a 'harmful word'.
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
She continued: "Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language. As a fat black woman in America, I’ve had many hurtful words used against me so I understand the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally)."
Lizzo said she was 'proud' to announce a new version of the song with a lyric change. Instead of "Do you see this sh*t? I’m a spaz", the line now says: "Do you see this shi*t? Hold me back.”
“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 singer continued in her post.
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
Fans have since applauded Lizzo for taking quick action to change the song, with one thanking the singer for 'hearing' them and 'understanding that this was only ever meant gently and being open to learning'.
"It honestly means the world," the Twitter user continued. "You’re a real true ally."
The version of 'Grrrls' containing the new lyric has been released on a range of streaming platforms, including Spotify and Lizzo's official YouTube channel.
If you've been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Scope via their website, via email, or on 0808 800 3333. The line is open 9am-6pm Monday to Fridays, and 10am-6pm Saturdays and Sundays