Lizzo swaps song lyrics

Lizzo amends latest single - 4th July 2022

Famous pop star Lizzo was forced to alter the lyrics in her latest single 'GRRRLS,' following backlash over the use of a derogatory disability slur.

Having only been on the air for a week, the original release, which included derogatory language for spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, was forced to be pulled off air by "shocked and "disappointed" fans, who demanded a re-recording with alternative lyrics. Lizzo swiftly took the criticism onboard, swapping the lyrics.

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

The swift reworking of the new version sees the original offensive lyric revised to "hold me back". Lizzo commented on the amendment, stating that it was "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.” Having had the original version taken off the air, the updated version of 'GRRRLS' is now available on streaming platforms, such as Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube.

Praising the pop star's actions, disability advocates, like Callum Stephen, an autism activist, commented that he's "proud of Lizzo for listening to the disabled community and amending her song, " and further tweeted that "everyone makes mistakes – what is important is how we respond to them."

Echoing these sentiments is author Malorie Blackman, who also appreciated the singer's swiftness to action, stating, "We're all only human and we all sometimes get things wrong. It's how we handle the resultant criticism and move forward that helps to define us."