Lizzo Removes Ableist Slur from New Single “Grrrls”

Lizzo has released a new version of her latest single, “Grrrls,” after coming under criticism for using an ableist slur in a lyric.

“Hold my bag, bitch, hold my bag / Do you see this shit? I’ma spaz,” Lizzo sings in the original version. In the update version, the lyric has been altered to: “Do you see this shit? Hold me back.”

In a statement addressing the lyric chance, Lizzo said she would “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),” Lizzo added. “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.”

“Grrrls” appears on Lizzo’s upcoming album, Special, which is due out on July 15th. Previously, she shared “About Damn Time” as the lead single. This fall, she’ll kick off “The Special Tour”; tickets are available to purchase here.