Jake Massey
Beyoncé is facing a backlash over lyrics on her new album, which some have found highly offensive.
The 42-year-old has been criticised for her use of an ableist term in the song 'Heated', the 11th track on Renaissance.
In the song - co-written with Drake, among others - the pop superstar uses the word 's**z'.
Towards the end of the tune, she sings: "S**zzing on that ass, s**z on that ass."
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The use of the term sparked a huge backlash on social media.
One person wrote: "As a disabled [person] who grew up being called a sp@z... to diminish my NeuroDivergent experiences, belittle me, and bully me, I am beyond words hurt you have chosen to use this word in your song.
"You've hurt the community, apologise and change."
Another said: "Language is such a complex thing and words can validly mean different things to different people, but I don't see why any artist would use a word in their song that causes so much upset to millions worldwide."
It comes just weeks after Lizzo apologised for using the same word in her song 'GRRRLS'.
Disability advocate Hannah Diviney said the lyrics felt like a 'slap in the face'.
She told the BBC: "I'm tired and frustrated that we're having this conversation again so soon after we got such a meaningful and progressive response from Lizzo."
Renaissance is Beyoncé's seventh studio album, and her first solo offering in six years following the release of the critically acclaimed Lemonade in 2016.
The singer thanked fans for their 'love and protection' following reports that her new album was leaked online two days before its official release.
The pop superstar said she appreciated her fans – known as the Beyhive – for calling out 'anyone that was trying to sneak into the club early'.
Outraged fans took to social media on Wednesday night, after audio files circulated on social media, reportedly allowing some listeners early access to the songs.
Minutes before the album's official release on Friday, the singer addressed the situation in posts on social media.
"So the album leaked and you all actually waited until the proper release time so you can all enjoy it together," she wrote.
"I've never seen anything like it. I can't thank y'all enough for your love and protection.
"I appreciate you for calling out anyone that was trying to sneak into the club early.
"It means the world to me. Thank you for your unwavering support. Thank you for being patient.
"We are going to take our time and enjoy the music. I will continue to give my all and do my best to bring you joy."
She signed off: "I love you deep."
UNILAD has contacted Beyoncé's reps for comment.
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