Lizzo asked by fans to change 'offensive' lyric in new song

Lizzo has been asked by her fans to remove an offensive lyric in her new song 'Grrrls'.

Released on 10 June, the song was greeted with much criticism from fans and disability advocates.

In the song, Lizzo uses a derogatory term — 'spaz' — usually aimed at people with cerebral palsy.

Anita Hills, a talent agent who has cerebral palsy, told the BBC: "It's absolutely shocking, It really made me flinch. Why you would choose that word when there's so many other options? It's just completely wrong."

Read more: Lizzo says she 'didn't ask' for body-positive label

Some fans have defended Lizzo and claim that the word has a different meaning in the US and instead means 'going crazy'.

Though the term originates the word 'spastic' which is used to describe the spasms associated with cerebral palsy.

Lizzo has faced particular criticism because her music generally celebrates diversity and she has been a vocal advocate for Black and LGBT voices. Her biggest hits such as 'Good As Hell' and 'About Damn Time' also emphasise the importance of body positivity and looking after your mental health.

Fans across social media have urged Lizzo to alter the song. One messaged the singer on Twitter saying: "Re-record it and apologise."

Another said on Tik Tok: "Please remove the s-word from your song."

Another fan also sent Lizzo a long message on Twitter about the word and cerebral palsy: “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 is not the first singer to be criticised for using the word. Rapper Bhad Barbie was similarly criticised over using the slur as the title of a 2019 single.

Watch below: Lizzo releases new single 'Grrrls'