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“That’s how you become an ally. Listen and correct your actions, don’t just get defensive and shut down.”
On Friday, Lizzo delighted fans with the release of new single “Grrrls”, the latest offering from her forthcoming fourth studio album. Special.
But the song didn’t get the reaction she was hoping for and over the weekend it started trending on TikTok as users criticized the singer for her controversial lyrics.
“Hold my bag, bitch / Hold my bag / See that shit? / I’mma spaz”, the song begins, with the use of the word “spaz” causing backlash from listeners.
Chris Saucedo/Getty Images for SXSW
In North America the term is defined as a verb meaning to ‘lose physical or emotional control’, but in the UK and other parts of the world it is considered an incredibly offensive slur towards people with disabilities.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Taking to Twitter, people have been urging the singer to apologize for her lyrics and remove the word from her single. “@lizzo please repost ‘grrrls’ without the abatement insults,” one fan tweeted. “That word is not kind to disabled people. Your music is global and you have a voice that people listen to. We trust it and ask you to publish it without offense.”
@lizzo please republish grrrls without the ablist slur. This word is not kind to disabled people. Your music is global and you have a voice that people listen to. We trust it and ask you to publish it without offense. xo a disabled person who just wants to enjoy music
Another wrote: “I’m disappointed in @lizzo for using the word ‘sp@z’ in her new song ‘Grrrls’. There’s no excuse for using an ableistic slur in a song in 2022. As someone who champions women, plus-size people, and others who society treats badly, 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 ableistic slur in a song in 2022. As someone who advocates for women, plus size people, and others who society treats badly, Lizzo preaches inclusivity and should do better.
“Hey @lizzo, my disability, cerebral palsy, is literally classified as spastic diplegia (where spasticity refers to infinite painful tightness in my legs). Your new song makes me pretty angry + sad,” added another. “‘Spaz’ doesn’t mean freaky or crazy. It’s an ableistic arc. It’s 2022. Make it better.”
Hey @lizzo my disability cerebral palsy is literally classified as spastic diplegia (where spasticity refers to infinite painful tightness in my legs). Your new song makes me quite angry + sad. “Spaz” doesn’t mean freaky or crazy. It’s an ableistic arc. It’s 2022. Make it better.
Another wrote: “If you’ve never been bullied and called spazz or spastic because of your disability, you can’t decide if Lizzo’s new song is offensive or not. Please the fuck sit down.”
Here, man, if you’ve never been bullied and called spazz because of your disability, you can’t decide whether or not Lizzo’s new song is offensive. Please the fuck sit down.
But others pleaded genuine ignorance that the word was offensive, writing: “I am shocked and confused that people are in an uproar, although I have never in my life known this alleged word Lizzo used , was offensive or offensive?”
I’m shocked and confused that people are in an uproar, even though I’ve never known in my life that alleged word Lizzo used was offensive or offensive? https://t.co/lwaaOXc6Zt
Someone else agreed: “I’m just finding out that word is offensive, I doubt Lizzo meant it.”
@Shelbykinsxo I’m just finding out that word is offensive. I doubt Lizzo meant anything bad
While the varied responses appeared to reflect a cultural divide, some refuted the defense that the term was not considered offensive in the United States. One person tweeted, “I personally know several disabled people who are offended by the word spaz and I live in the US so it’s offensive in the US.”
@NEArlyiLLEGAL @Wadey1977 @bubbzs91 @starinteleon @lizzo I mean I personally know several disabled people that the word spaz offends and I live in the US so it’s offensive in the US lol…
“The word absolutely is offensive in the US and has the same meaning as anywhere else, just because people tell you it’s a slang word they gossip about doesn’t mean it’s okay to say it,” repeated another. “Children are cruel and have used this word to make fun of one another.”
@AutisticCallum_ @lizzo The word absolute is offensive in the US and has the same meaning as elsewhere, just because people say it’s a slang word to babble on doesn’t mean it’s okay to say it . Children are cruel and have used this word to make fun of one another.
The debate continued until Lizzo posted her response in a social media statement on Tuesday. The singer insisted that she “never wishes to encourage derogatory language” and that the offense caused was completely unintentional.
In fact, Lizzo said she’s “proud” to reveal that she’s released a new version of “Grrrls” with altered offensive lyrics, and stated that she’s “committed to being part of the change” she’s anticipating “waits”. to see in the world.”
The full statement read: “It has been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song ‘GRRRLS’. Let me get one thing straight: I never want to encourage derogatory language.”
“As a fat black woman in America, a lot of hurtful words were used against me, so I’ve overstated the power words can have (whether intentionally or, in my case, unintentionally),” she continued. “I am proud to announce that there is a new version of ‘Grrrls’ with a lyric change.”
Anna Webber/Getty Images for Prime Video
“This is the result of my listening and acting. As an influential artist who made it his mission to be a part of the change I’ve been waiting for in the world,” Lizzo concluded.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
The new version of “Grrrls” now starts with: “Hold my bag, bitch / Hold my bag / Do you see this shit? / Hold me back.”
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for American Express
Needless to say, Lizzo was immediately praised for her proactive response to the backlash, and many thanked the star for being receptive to their concerns and taking action.
In fact, some said other celebrities should be mindful of how to react to being called out, as they credited the star with giving them “hope in humanity.”
“I want to give Lizzo her flowers. She has set the bar for accountability. Within three days, she acknowledged the concerns of the disability community and re-released the song. I want to be remembered that a black woman set the precedent for what accountability should be,” one person tweeted.
I want to give Lizzo her flowers. She has set the bar for accountability. Within three days, she acknowledged the concerns of the disability community and re-released the song. I want it to be remembered that a black woman set the precedent for what responsibility should be.
Another wrote: “Lizzo just showed how to learn and fix your mistakes with grace. She did the right thing in getting the criticism she deserved, and I hope other artists take notice.”
Lizzo just showed how to learn and fix your mistakes with grace. She did the right thing when she met deserved criticism and I hope other artists take notice
“An absolute legend. Remember everyone. This is how you become an ally. Listen and correct your actions, don’t just get defensive and shut down. Thanks @Lizzo,” one added. “You gave this little handicapped being a little bit more hope in humanity.”
An absolute legend. Remember everyone. This is how you become an ally. Listen and correct your actions, don’t just get defensive and shut down. Thanks @Lizzo. You gave this little handicapped being a little bit more hope in humanity. ❤️ https://t.co/sgTSHlw1jw
“Grrrls” is the second single out Specialto be released on July 15th. The album’s lead single, “About Damn Time,” was released in April and was a huge hit with fans.
