Lizzo Changed The Lyrics Of “Grrrls” Amid Backlash

Lizzo’s new song “Grrrls’’ caused a stir online following its initial release, as the lyrics included a derogatory slur. Now, Lizzo, who recently went public with her boyfriend Myke Wright, has released a new version of the song, much to the appreciation of her fans. When “Grrrls’’ hit the airwaves on June 10, listeners were understandably quick to criticise the singer’s use of an ableist slur in the lyrics.

The term used in the original version of the song is a derogatory phrase for the disability spastic diplegia, which is a form of cerebral palsy.

Fans headed to social media to talk about their disappointment in Lizzo using the word, and shed light on the history of the offensive term. Following the backlash, she has now removed the slur from her new song and addressed the matter in a statement released via social media.

“It has 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,” the singer noted. “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.)”

Lizzo said she was proud to re-release the song after being checked by her fans. “This is the result of me listening and taking action,” she wrote. “As an influential artist, I’m dedicated to being part of the change I’ve been waiting to see in the world.”

‘‘Grrrls’’ has been re-uploaded on streaming platforms and digital stores. The previous offensive lyric has been replaced with “hold me back.”

Fans praised Lizzo’s decision to remove the term from the song, celebrating her willingness to take accountability.