Following criticism levelled at her latest single ‘Grrrls’, Lizzo has announced that she is releasing a new version of the track.
The performer released the track in May, but has since been criticised for using ableist language after including the word ‘spaz’ in her original version. The lyric originally continued, “Hold my bag, bitch, hold my bag / Do you see this shit? I’ma spaz,” but has now been altered to simply being, “Do you see this shit? Hold me back.”
Lizzo acted quickly to rectify what she has acknowledged as being derogatory – though unintentional – and understood how impactful words could be. In a statement posted to social media, she wrote:
“It’s been brought to my attention that there is a harmful world in my new song ‘Grrrls’. 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 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. 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.”
Check out the new version of ‘Grrrls’ below, which will be featured on Lizzo’s forthcoming album, Special.
