Lizzo faced criticism after releasing the latest single from her new album Special, “GRRRLS.” People on social media pointed to the usage of “spaz” in the lyrics, which they called 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. ‘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
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
Lizzo has responded to the criticism with a statement of apology and a new version of the song with the lyric changed from “I’m a spaz” to “Hold me back.” “It’s been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song “GRRRLS,” she writes. “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 overstand the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally). I’m proud to say there’s a new version of GRRLS 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. Xoxo, Lizzo.”
Hear her new version of “GRRRLS” below.
— LIZZO (@lizzo) June 13, 2022