Lizzo Changes Abelist Slur in GRRRLS Song After Criticism from Disabled Community

By Lori Perkins

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this before, but correct me if I’m wrong. A major celeb is criticized for using a word that is derogatory and instead of just apologizing, or doubling down, or blaming someone else, listens, and then does something about it. POWERFUL.

I liked Lizzo form the beginning. Her work was always so positive in so many ways, and she exuded joy. But I never expected to be in awe of her.

Let’s face it, pulling a song and re-recording it is expensive. Most “artists,” no matter how popular, would allow a manager or agent or significant other to talk them out of it. But Lizzo not only did it but, but she did it in 24 or 48 hours.

So what was the word? She used a term for people with cerebral palsy that referred to the spastic movements that their condition often produces.

Said the singer/songwriter, “It's 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 triple Grammy Award winner wrote on Instagram.

"As a fat black woman in America, I've had many hateful words used against me so I understand 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."