“There’s no excuse for using an ableist insult in a song in 2022.”
If you’re a Lizzo supporter or simply enjoy radio music, you’ve probably heard her new track “Grrrls.”
Source: NDZ / GC Images / Star Max / Getty Images
The song was released on June 9 as the latest single from her next album, Special, which is set to be out on July 15.
The song has a phrase, “Do you see this shit / I’mma spaz,” the last syllable of which is often seen as an ableist slur by the disabled community.
Hey @lizzo my disability Cerebral Palsy is literally classified as Spastic Diplegia (where spasticity refers to unending painful tightness in my legs) your new song makes me pretty angry + sad. ‘Spaz’ doesn’t mean freaked out or crazy. It’s an ableist slur. It’s 2022. Do better.
— Hannah Diviney (@hannah_diviney) June 12, 2022
Disability advocates have questioned the slur’s inclusion and, in certain circumstances, have sought for its removal, according to NME.
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
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
I’d like to add that this is not a hate tweet; it’s a call for a talented person in a position of power who knows how to use their platform for good to approach ableism with greater sensitivity and apologise for their mistake. I’m not here to cancel Lizzo, but to inspire change.
— Callum Stephen (He/Him) (@AutisticCallum_) June 11, 2022
Oh @lizzo
A VERY influential figure, using the word sp@z in her new song.
An offensive and derogatory term. As someone who’s written about the use of disability language, especially slang/slur words which have been used in schools, this is a huge step back.
Please, remove it.
— Kate Stanforth (@KateStanforth) June 11, 2022
Lizzo has yet to reply to the backlash, but we’ll keep you updated as soon as she does.
Source: JC Olivera / Getty Images for Amazon Studios
