BANG Showbiz English
Lizzo has removed “a harmful word” from her new single ‘GRRRLS'.
The 34-year-old star has responded to backlash after fans accused her of using an ableist slur in her latest track – which will feature on upcoming album ‘Special', due to be released on July 15 – and unveiled a new version of the song following its initial release on Friday (10.06.22), while insisting she didn't mean to hurt anyone.
She said in a statement: “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 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 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.”
One critic of the original lyric – “Hold my bag, b****, hold my bag / Do you see this s***? I'm a s**z” – was writer and disability advocate Hannah Diviney.
She had written: “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.
“‘S**z' doesn't mean freaked out or crazy. It's an ableist slur. It's 2022. Do better. (sic)”
Following Lizzo's statement and lyric change, she added: “I'm going to cry.
“Thank you so much for hearing us Lizzo and for understanding that this was only ever meant gently and being open to learning, it honestly means the world.
“You're a real true ally.”
