Lizzo Apologizes For Ableist Slur in “Grrrls,” Releases New Version
Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Youtube Reading Time: 3 minutes
Lizzo approached criticism gracefully by releasing a new version of “Grrrls” after receiving criticism from fans. She has officially apologized and fixed the ableist slur in her newest track.
Lizzo released her newest single “Grrrls” on June 10. While many fans were excited to hear the new track, they were taken aback when the singer used an ableist slur in the beginning of the song. Fans took to TikTok to explain the significance behind the word “spaz” and how it’s used as a derogatory term.
While this word isn’t known as a derogatory remark in the United States, it is in multiple other parts of the world, especially the United Kingdom. Since the word means to “lose physical or emotional control” it’s used as an offensive slur against people with disabilities.
Lizzo Re-releases “Grrrls” Without Derogatory Remark
On June 13, Lizzo released a statement in regard to the harmful slur on Instagram. Within the statement, she explained that she “never want[s] to promote derogatory language.” As a result, Lizzo has re-released the song with a lyric change.
“Hold my bag b*tch/ Hold my bag/ Do you see this sh*t? / Hold me back,” Lizzo sings in the songs re-release. Before the track was fixed, the last portion of the line said “I’ma spazz” instead of “hold me back.”
Since Lizzo’s lyric change, fans have taken to Twitter to acknowledge how well she handled the situation. Lizzo took the time to fix the problems with the song behind the scenes before creating her public statement.
“I want to give Lizzo her flowers. She set the bar for accountability. Within three days she acknowledged the concerns of the disabled community and is re-releasing the song,” a fan Tweeted. “I want it to be remembered that a Black woman set the precedent for what accountability should be.”
Fans applaud Lizzo for not only apologizing about her use of the term, but for fixing the song as well. Since this isn’t a remark that is typically acknowledged as a derogatory slur in the United States, it’s understood that she didn’t know it’s offensive purpose elsewhere. Her statement makes it clear that she is now educated on how it’s used in other countries.
Lizzo’s Newest Album Premieres Next Month
“Grrrls” is Lizzo’s second release off her upcoming album Special. This album has gained tons of traction online since her first release, “About Damn Time” went viral on TikTok. Lizzo’s fourth studio project, Special, is a 12 track pop album, set to release on July 15.
In a special message released alongside the album, Lizzo acknowledges that she’s worked on this album for the past three years. In total, she wrote almost 170 songs to find the perfect 12. She explains that this album is filled with songs about love, self love, love for family, love for friends, love for significant others, and more. At the end of the message, the singer states that the album’s title is referring to each individual being special in their own way.
