Lizzo released her new single ‘Grrrls’ on Friday
(Picture: PA Archive)Fans of US singer and rapper Lizzo are calling for an “ableist” lyric in her latest single to be changed.
In the first verse of ‘Grrrls’, the Grammy award-winning hit-maker has been accused of using an offensive term for cerebral palsy, also known as spastic diplegia.
The song was released on Friday but has already drawn criticism for including what is considered to be ableist language.
Fans of the new track have taken to social media to express their “disappointment”, some calling the term a disability slur, and describing it as “really offensive”.
But many have stressed that by speaking out about the lyric they hope to educate the singer, rather than ‘cancel’ her.
One Twitter user, Callum Stephen, said: “There’s no excuse for using an ableist insult in a song in 2022. As someone who champions women, plus size people and others whom society treats poorly, Lizzo preaches inclusivity and should do better.
“I appreciate Lizzo and am rooting for her (and others) to learn,” he said in a separate Tweet.
I’m disappointed in @lizzo for using the word “sp@z” in her new song “Grrrls”. There’s no excuse for using an ableist insult in a song in 2022. As someone who champions women, plus size people and others whom society treats poorly, Lizzo preaches inclusivity and should do better.
— Callum Stephen (He/Him) (@AutisticCallum_) June 11, 2022
Another Twitter user said: “Lizzo has [the] opportunity to do some powerful learning and teaching”.
Definitely this. Education not cancellation.
— Dame Sarah Simons (@MrsSarahSimons) June 13, 2022
But I think the acknowledgment of a mistake re ableist language would be helpful. @lizzo has opportunity to do some powerful learning AND teaching.#inclusion https://t.co/IL9RkO2Nuw
Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination. It’s caused by a problem with the brain that develops before, during or soon after birth.
Lizzo, whose birth name is Melissa Jefferson, is releasing her latest album, ‘Special’, on July 15.
Before releasing ‘Grrrls’, the singer from Detroit released her lead single, ‘About Damn Time’ on April 14.
Lizzo has yet to acknowledge the criticisms. She has been contacted for comment.
