Following some backlash, Lizzo is changing a lyric in her song “Grrrls,” NBC News reports. The song, which was released on Friday as part of her upcoming album, Special, contained a lyric that used the word “spaz,” which has historically been used as a slur against people with disabilities.
Fans were disappointed at the singer’s original word choice, explaining that it originates from the term “spastic” which is used to demean people with disabilities.
“But not disabled grrrls though? Really disappointing,” one Twitter user wrote.
“ILYSM and this song is so friggin good, but pls consider removing the word Sp*z from it,” one Twitter user wrote, replying to the singer’s tweet promoting the new song and shapewear brand Yitty. “I know it’s used quite freely in the US but in it’s deeply offensive to disabled people & mocks the [way] some disabled people move. I know you can come up with a replacement word.”
Other fans were also upset with the 34-year-old.
“What the actual Lizzo?! Why the slur? Why make fun of disabled folk when we get enough hate already? I actually like your music then I heard this track and I don’t know what to think of you now,” they wrote.
“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,” another replied.
According to NBC News, the Collins Dictionary states that “someone who is spastic is born with a disability which makes it difficult for them to control their muscles, especially in their arms and legs.” The dictionary also explains that “most people now refer to someone with this disability as having cerebral palsy.”
Lizzo responded to the backlash with action. She changed the lyric in the song and posted an apology.
“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,” the Grammy winner wrote in an Instagram post.
She continued, saying that “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 a 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.”
Fans were pleased to see the singer was quick to fix her mistake.
“This is just ONE of the reasons why you are loved and respected! Wish more people in this world listened,” an Instagram user wrote.
“Thank you for listening. Love you,” another added.
