Lizzo changes lyrics of new song after backlash
Trailblazing musician Lizzo is 100% listening and says she's dedicated to being part of the change she's been waiting to see.
The Grammy-winning singer and flautist came under fire this weekend after “unintentionally” using an offensive slur on her new track “GRRRLS,” which samples the Beastie Boys' 1986 song “Girls” and will appear on her album “Special,” out in July. Then, the “About Damn Time” singer responded Monday to what fans dubbed an offensive lyric on the track by completely — and proudly — changing the line.
The word — a slang term for “spastic” — is considered derogatory and Lizzo was called out online by disability advocates for promoting ableist culture. But for anyone vaguely familiar with Lizzo's music (or viral TikTok choreography), that's the opposite of her inclusive, body-positive modus operandi.
“Hold my bag, b—, hold my bag / Do you see this s—? I'm a s—z,” the original song said.
One Twitter user, for example, pointed out how the lyric was offensive in how it related to her condition.
“Hey @lizzo my disability Cerebral Palsy is literally classified as Spastic Diplegia (where spasticity refers to unending painful tightness in my legs),” wrote disability advocate @hannah_ diviney on Twitter. “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.”
After the criticism, the 34-year-old star took action, changing the song's line from “I'm a s—z” to “Hold me back.” She also posted the snippet on TikTok, where it's already being remixed and adopted by users.
“It's been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song `GRRRLS,' ” the Yitty founder said in a statement posted Monday across her social media accounts. “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.”