Lizzo Changes “Grrrls” Lyrics After Criticisms of Using "Ableist Slur"
“This is the result of me listening and taking action.”
Lizzo announced a change in the lyrics of her latest single “Grrrls” after receiving criticism for using an “ableist slur” in the track’s opening.
Taking to Instagram to acknowledge the responses, she clarified that it was not her intention to “promote derogatory language” in any of her music and that she believes in the power of words:
“It’s 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’ve had many hateful words used against me so I understand the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case unintentionally). 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 a part of the change I’ve been waiting to see in the world.”
Much of the criticisms made their way around Twitter, with Hannah Diviney — a writer who has Cerebral Palsy — pointing out why the word the “spaz” is an ableist slur. “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,” she wrote. “‘Spaz’ doesn’t mean freaked out or crazy. It’s an ableist slur. It’s 2022. Do better.” She went on to thank Lizzo for switching the lyric out and called her a “true ally.”
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VERY IMPORTANT AMAZING UPDATE!!!!!! https://t.co/oOAsC9xnR4
— Hannah Diviney (@hannah_diviney) June 13, 2022
Elsewhere in music, A$AP Rocky confirmed he and Tyler, the Creator have been working on “a lot of music.”
