Lizzo announced that she has released a new version of her single “GRRRLS” yesterday (June 13), changing the lyrics to eliminate an “ableist slur” that received some backlash over the weekend.
“It’s been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song ‘GRRRLS,’ Lizzo wrote on Twitter. “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. Xoxo, Lizzo.”
— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) June 13, 2022
Lizzo released the single last Friday as the second release off her sophomore album Special, but instead of a positive response like “About Damn Time,” the song was quickly criticized for one of its lyrics. “Hold my bag, b—h,” the song goes, with Lizzo singing over a Beastie Boys sample. “Hold my bag/ Do you see this s—?/ I’m a spaz/ 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.”
Twitter called out the use of the word “spaz,” noting that it is an ableist slur — see below.
