Lizzo Changes Lyrics In Her New Song After Criticism Over ‘Ableism’

Lizzo announced Monday that she is changing the lyrics in her new song “Grrrls,” after receiving some criticism for using an “ableist” slur. 

The “Rumors” singer took to Twitter on Tuesday to announce the lyric update of the song “Grrrls,” the latest single from her upcoming album “Special,” after it was described as an “ableist slur” by many in the disabled community.

“It has been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song,” Lizzo wrote. “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).”

“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 wanting to see in the world.”

The original lyric that offended many fans came from the song line, “Do you see this s–t? I’ma spazz,” which many claim is an ableist slur. Fans pointed out that the word “spaz” comes from the origin of “spastic”: “suffering from cerebral palsy,” according to the Cambridge Dictionary.

“Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “In general, cerebral palsy causes impaired movement associated with exaggerated reflexes, floppiness, or spasticity of the links and trunk.”

Displeased fans used social media to voice their outrage over the lyric.

“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,” wrote Hannah Diviney, a disability advocate and writer.

Another fan wrote, “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,” said autistic advocate Callum Stephen.

Lizzo’s prompt response to changing the lyric is hitting home with some fans.

“This is how you do accountability. I’ve been quiet on this because I wanted to see what she would say & do (& I had nothing to add that wasn’t already said). The derogatory term is out of the song so go stream #Grrrls & love on @lizzo extra today. She’s modeling how to get it right,” said @DrSamiSchalk on Twitter.

“That’s it guys, that’s all we ask from famous people, to when they make mistakes they own it, apology, grow and learn with that,” @hrrgrrl tweeted. “We Love you Lizzo.”

“Love you so much Lizzo,” wrote Twitter user @femme4fleurs. “This was a very kind way to approach this.”