Lizzo announced Monday evening that she has removed the word “spaz” from her new single “GRRRLS” in response to complaints on social media.
“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),” she wrote on social media.
The revised version is likely to be on her album, which drops July 15.
According to the U.S.-based Merriam-Webster dictionary, “spaz” is an “often offensive” slang word for “spastic” and is used describe “one who is inept.”
The word has a different meaning in the UK and Australia, according to reactions on social media.
The UK’s Cambridge Dictionary defines “spaz” as “an offensive way of referring to someone who has cerebral palsy.” The condition is also known as spastic diplegia.
Among those critical of Lizzo’s inclusion of the word was disability advocate Hannah Diviney, who tweeted: “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.”
Lizzo said Monday the new version of “GRRRLS” without the term is “the result of me listening and taking action.”
She added: “As an influential artist I’m dedicated to being part of the change I’ve been waiting to see in the world.”