Following criticism for the lyrics of her single ‘Grrrls’ being deemed ‘ableist,’ Lizzo has released a revised version of the song that omits the controversial line. The altered lyrics now read, “Hold me back,” replacing a term derived from the word ‘spastic,’ which drew negative attention.

The term ‘spastic’ refers to someone born with a disability that affects their muscle control, particularly in their arms and legs, as per the Collins Dictionary. Due to its offensive connotation, the preferred term is now ‘cerebral palsy.’

Lizzo faced backlash from disability activists for including the derogatory term in the original song, leading to accusations of ‘ableism,’ indicating potential discrimination against individuals with disabilities or those perceived as disabled.

In response to the criticism, Lizzo issued a public apology on social media, acknowledging the harmful word in her song and expressing a commitment to avoiding the promotion of derogatory language. As a Black woman with a larger body size in America, she empathized with the impact of hurtful words and emphasized her dedication to positive change.

The 34-year-old singer announced the release of a new version of ‘Grrrls’ with modified lyrics as a result of actively listening and taking corrective action. She emphasized her role as an influential artist dedicated to contributing to the positive change she wishes to see in the world.

‘Grrrls’ is part of Lizzo’s upcoming album ‘Special,’ set to be released in July.