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Lizzo Releases New Version Of ‘Grrrls’ After Backlash

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

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

In a statement addressing the lyric change, 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.”

Listen to the altered version below.

“Grrrls” will appear on Lizzo’s upcoming album, Special, out July 15th. Later this fall, she’ll embark on “The Special Tour” in support of the new album. Check out those dates here.

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Ashley Perez Hollingsworth

Ashley Perez is a freelance music journalist based in Chicago. Her work has appeared on AXS, Chicago Innerview, New City, The Millions, and Illinois Entertainer. She also runs her own music blog at Radio Not Found. Some of her favorite bands include Nirvana, The Cure, Muse, Creeper, and Green Day.

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