Lizzo Apologizes For Using Derogatory Term In New Song ‘Grrrls’, Changes Lyrics For New Version

Write Comment

Lizzo has issued a public apology after her fans noticed she had used a derogatory term in her latest single “Grrrls.” The track, which is lifted from her upcoming fourth studio album Special, appeared to have ruffled some feathers with social media users who slammed the 25-year-old for using the word “sp*z” in her lyrics. A heap of Twitter users condemned Lizzo for adding the ableist slur to her verse, unaware that the term is often used to belittle the disabled community.

RELATED: Lizzo Opens Up About Her Longtime Friendship With Adele: ‘She’s A Ghetto B**** Like Me’

In the song, Lizzo sings, “Hold my bag, b—h/ Hold my bag/ Do you see this s–t?/ I’m a sp*z/ I’m about to knock somebody out/ Yo, where my best friend?/ She the only one I know to talk me off the deep end.” Following its release, Lizzo began trending on Twitter as fans pleaded with her to take the song down out of respect for people with disabilities, with one person writing, “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.”

Well, it looks as if Lizzo has been paying attention to the feedback. On Monday, she apologized for the mishap, saying her intent was never to hurt anybody’s feelings. Furthermore, it seemed as if most of the backlash stemmed from people in the UK, where the term “sp*z” is known as an offensive word while its definition in the U.S. simply means to “lose physical or emotional control.” Still, Lizzo made sure to clear the air regarding her choice of words and followed up by revealing that a new version to the song has now been released.

“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),” 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 I’m dedicated to being part of the change I’ve been waiting to see in the world. Xoxo, Lizzo.”

RELATED: Lizzo Slams Men Who Use Her Name To Insult Women: ‘I’m Beautiful, Rich & Get Immaculate D**k’

The controversy surrounding Lizzo’s latest song comes just one month after the Michigan native announced she had landed her very own documentary, which is set to air on HBO later this year. While the project has yet to receive an official title, Rolling Stone reports that Doug Pray, who executive produced Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre’s The Defiant Ones in 2018, has been hired to direct the doc.

“Growing up I never dreamed I’d get to experience all of the things I’ve accomplished in my life, and I’m just getting started,” Lizzo shared in a statement. “From ‘Cuz I Love You to my dramatic world tour, losing and gaining love, and creating my new album Special, y’all get to see the amount of time, patience, blood, sweat and tears that went into this process.”

Leave a Comment