Lizzo took to social media to announce she is changing the lyrics to her latest single, “GRRRLS” after receiving backlash for using an “ableist slur.”
In the original song, the 3X Grammy Award-winning artist sings:
Hold my bag, b**ch (girls) Hold my bag Do you see this sh*t? I'ma sp*zz I'm about to knock somebody out (girls) Yo, where my best friend? She the only one I know to talk me off the deep end (ah)
In the U.S., “sp*zz” is slang for “going crazy” or “freaking out,” however, across the pond, the word has a more derogatory and hurtful meaning.
The word is used as a highly offensive epithet aimed to disparage people living with cerebral palsy.
It prompted outrage and criticism from her U.K. fans, while her U.S. fans joined the convo with a few thoughts of their own.
Lizzo released the following statement announcing she has changed the lyrics of the song:
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 hurtful worlds used against me so I overstated 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 part of the change I’ve been waiting to see in the world.
Xoxo, Lizzo
See her original post below.
Listen to the new version of “GRRRLS” below.
I appreciate Lizzo.
Your thoughts?
