Lizzo Removes 'Harmful Ableist Slur' From New Single Following Criticism

Pop superstar Lizzo has removed an offensive word from her latest single GRRLS, following a range of criticism on social media. 

The track is taken from her upcoming album Special, and was not yet released on any physical mediums. The artist, who has become well-known for self-acceptance and love against all odds, used an offensive phrase in the song's first verse: “Hold my bag, bitch, hold my bag/Do you see this shit? I’ma sp*zz”.

“It has been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song GRRRLS," Lizzo stated in a statement.

"Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language. As a fat black woman in America, I have had many hurtful words used against me so I understand the power words can have (whether intentionally, or in my case, unintentionally).

"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."

The lyric now has been replaced on streaming services with a new lyric "hold me back"

The song, which samples Beastie Boys' Girls, turns the controversial Licensed To Ill tune into a cracking girl power anthem, with some fans dismayed that a track designed to empower one group can open with a slur against another.

The song caused outrage among the community, with advocates for those with cerebral palsy, Autism and other disabilities that have had the word hurtfully used against them over years rightly pointing out the hurtful and unnecessary slur pushing a phrase we thought was killed off a decade or more ago back into youth consciousness.

TW:Ableism. Trauma.

Hey @lizzo I know you come with good intentions. But can you remove that ableist Slur from your song Sp@z. As an autistic/disabled person it brings back memories at school again and it's a rude word against a lot of disabled people. We don't need it in this

— Rohit Doel (@RohitDoel) June 12, 2022