Lizzo releases new version of “Grrrls” following ableist lyric backlash
14 June 2022, 15:46
Lizzo dances to new song Grrrls and shows off Yitty shapewear
"It’s an ableist slur. It’s 2022. Do better."
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UPDATED (June 14) Lizzo has apologised for using an ableist slur in the lyrics to her new song 'Grrrls', and has now released a new version with the offending lyrics changed.
On Friday (June 10), Lizzo officially released 'Grrls' after teasing the track in multiple TikTok videos. In the opening verse, Lizzo sings: "Hold my bag, bitch, hold my bag / Do you see this spaz? Imma spaz"
The offensive term comes from the word "spastic" which refers to someone living with a disability that causes spasms. It's considered offensive in the UK and is often used as an insult, but in the US the word is used to describe someone who is energetic or hyperactive.
However, disability activists in both the US and UK slammed Lizzo's use of the word and called for the offensive lyric to be removed.
READ MORE: Lizzo claps back at men using her name to insult other women
One person tweeted: "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."
Another added: "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. As someone who champions women, plus size people and others whom society treats poorly, Lizzo preaches inclusivity and should do better."
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. As someone who champions women, plus size people and others whom society treats poorly, Lizzo preaches inclusivity and should do better.
— Callum Stephen (He/Him) (@AutisticCallum_) June 11, 2022
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.
— Hannah Diviney (@hannah_diviney) June 12, 2022
Hey @lizzo please remove the word "spaz" from your new song because it's a slur and really offensive to the disabled community
— Shelby 🖤 (@Shelbykinsxo) June 10, 2022
From a disappointed fan 😔💔
Lizzo has now responded in a statement via social media. In the statement, Lizzo wrote:
"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 overstated the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally),” she continued. “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 dedicated to being part of the change I’ve been waiting to see in the world."
The new version of “Grrrls” now features the lyric: “Hold my bag, bitch / Hold my bag / Do you see this shit? / Hold me back.”
Lizzo is now being praised for her response to the backlash, taking accountability, and making the changes as soon as possible.
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 rereleasing the song. I want it to be remembered that a Black woman set the precedent for what accountability should be.
— clementine (@fairyfemmes) June 14, 2022
This is exactly the response the disabled community wanted ❤️❤️ Thank you Lizzo. A true icon. https://t.co/5Ob4HIXuY6
— Rachel Charlton-Dailey (@RachelCDailey) June 14, 2022
@lizzo showing y’all that it’s possible to listen to others voices and understand. Love her DOWN!!
— Kornbread “Korngenial ” Jeté (@kornbreadTMFS) June 14, 2022
I’ve heard this term growing up and thought it was just a way to say “Act Up” not knowing it was short for something else. Learning curve for us all. https://t.co/pqxMaj41jJ
Lizzo made a mistake, took feedback from good faith education arguments, apologized, and changed her song.
— Cheria_Haredottir (@haredottir) June 14, 2022
And it's really wild to see people still trying to drag her for it, without acknowledging the effort made to do better.
But will continue to give passes to others
Read the new lyrics to Lizzo's song 'Grrrls' in full below.
Bitches, uh
Bitches, uh, uh-huh
Hold my bag, bitch (girls)
Hold my bag
Do you see this shit? Hold me back
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)
'Cause that's my girl, we codependent
If she with it, then I'm with it
Yeah, we tussle, mind your business
Zu, zu, zu, zu, zu-su-lu
That's my girl, we CEO's
And dancin' like a C-E-ho
We about to throw them bows
Let's fuck it up
Where my girls, where my girls at? (woo, hoo)
Where my girls, where my girls at? (woo, hoo)
Yeah, this the type of fight I'm lookin' for
Where my girls, where my girls at? (woo, hoo)
Let me take these earrings off
And hit the boosie ratchet with my friends
Woah, oh, woah, oh (whoop that ho)
I'ma go Lorena Bobbitt on him so he never fuck again, no-oh, oh
Now you can't fuck again, bro
That's my girl, we codependent
If she with it, then I'm with it
Yeah, we tussle, mind your business
Zu, zu, zu, zu, zu-su-lu
That's my girl, we CEO's
And dancin' like a C-E-ho
We about to throw them bows
Let's fuck it up
Where my girls, where my girls at? (woo, hoo)
Where my girls, where my girls at? (woo, hoo)
Yeah, this the type of fight I'm lookin' for
Where my girls, where my girls at? (woo, hoo)
Where my girls, where my girls at? (woo, hoo)
Where my girls, where my girls at? (woo, hoo)
Yeah, this the type of fight I'm lookin' for
Where my girls, where my girls at? (woo, hoo)
Uh-huh, okay, where my ladies at?
Uh-huh, okay, where my ladies at?
Uh, hold me down (down)
Uh, hold me back (back)
Uh-huh, okay
Where my ladies at?
Read more about Lizzo here:
- Lizzo defends launching her own body positive shapewear brand
- Lizzo fans think she has a boyfriend because of this TikTok video
- Lizzo says that her and Kim Kardashian are "modern-day body icons"
- Lizzo praised for "inspiring" new reality show looking for plus-size back up dancers
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