Pop star Lizzo changes derogatory lyric after backlash

Ross_Alumni

Lizzo changes derogatory lyric after backlash

Pop star Lizzo has changed the lyrics to her latest song after fans complained it used an ableist slur.
Grrrls, which was released last week, originally contained a derogatory term for cerebral palsy, also known as spastic diplegia, in the first verse.
Fans said they were "shocked" and "disappointed", and asked her to re-record the song with alternative words.
The star took the criticism to heart and released a new version omitting the "harmful word" on Monday night.
"Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language," she wrote in a statement posted to social media.
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 hastily reworked version of Grrrls now includes the lyric "hold me back" in place of the original. Lizzo said the change 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."

Over to you:

• What do you think of this story? 
• What is your approach to handling potentially ableist or offensive language when it is used around you?
• Should more be done in the music industry and other forms of entertainment to reduce the level of offensive language used?

66Mustang

Putting aside my own views, the fact is that it is obvious that the public were bound to find this offensive so I wonder what makes people like this artist think it's a good idea to use words like this in the first place?

I can kind of excuse people saying something "offensive" live on TV or radio, because they haven't had a chance to think, but surely they would have sat down and wrote these lyrics for several months.

If I was writing something that was going to be read/listened to tens of millions of times and my career depended on its success I'd go through it with a fine tooth comb to make sure it wouldn't offend every single group!

Ross_Alumni

That was my thought exactly @66Mustang, even more so considering she'll likely have a team behind her writing, recording and promoting the music. You'd think somebody at a record label would have raised a red flag.

life

I've seen people online congratulating her for changing the lyrics but as you've both pointed out she and her team had all the time in the world to think about how this was going to affect people.

66Mustang

Good point @Biblioklept I’d never heard of her till I read this forum thread

Cartini

66Mustang said:

Good point @Biblioklept I’d never heard of her till I read this forum thread

I`d never heard of her before and, after seeing the lyrics of the "song" in question, I never want to actually hear her at all.

leeCal

My son has cerebral palsy and is often the victim of verbal abuse. It’s very sad since he already has enough to put up with. 

Cartini

Username_removed said:

… which would be a shame. Her last album was terrific.

I’m not a fan of judging any music I’ve not heard or judging people by any poor decision they make. Lizzo had been iconic for the body positive movement and is a great flautist.

Fair comment.

Abi82

I think a lot of people have grown up with some terms being 'normal' and 'acceptable' and the words become separated from their original meaning in people's minds. This doesn't make it OK but I think it explains how Lizzo may have been able to write and record the song without anyone flagging up that the terminology is offensive. From knowing just a little about her it doesn't fit that she would have done this for press attention. For me I think that we should be educating people and raising awareness, not jumping on people who learn from their mistakes

OverlyAnxious

I wondered if the term is less offensive in the US than it is over here?  As others have said, several people must have read & heard the song before it was released. 

I think she did the right thing by quickly accepting responsibility and changing the lyric though, as it does seem like a genuine mistake in this case.


I have occasionally tried to educate people on offensive/ableist language on other forums via private message, rather than show them up publicly.  Though I must admit, the people using it generally don't seem to see the 'problem' with it.  Not really sure what you can do in that situation!

Justice2311

leeCal said:

My son has cerebral palsy and is often the victim of verbal abuse. It’s very sad since he already has enough to put up with. 

Your son should never have to abide with those type of abusers like that. In fact, no one should have to tolerate being abused at all. There are so many abusers in this world (including a certain celebrity who has nearly ruined Johnny Depp's career; I feel it is going to take a while for him build his name back up), so adding more to the list will not only make the numbers stay the same, but it could go up to 11 if it manages to.

As someone who is also disabled (I'm Autistic and Dyslexic, as well as diagnosed with OCD, depression, and anger issues), I personally sympathise with Lizzo as well. Lizzo, since she's American, didn't realise that the specific term she used is "offensive" in the UK (as well as Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand). Metaphorically, you could say that the specific term is pretty much flicking two fingers at disabled people (which also means "peace out" in the UK, but it means "do one" over here; another example at how certain Americanisms can "offend" Brits like us). I'm glad no one enacted zero-tolerance on her by "cancelling" her, since she has made a genuine mistake. I'm also glad we've moved on from this palaver, because she sorted it out, and everyone can enjoy the album with no more fuss.