Singer Lizzo’s new single “GRRRLS” included a derogatory and ableist word—but after outcry from people with disabilities, she publicly apologized and released a new version of the song with the lyric changed. While many applauded Lizzo's swift action on the matter, others chose not to close the book on the incident. We want to know, are apologies and corrections enough for these kind of mistakes, or should they have larger consequences?
Lizzo said in a statement, “Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language. As a fat black woman in America, I've had many hurtful words used against me." Many people on social media admitted that this was the first time they even realized the word in question was a slur, and pledged to do better. Lizzo is not the first artist to be called out over word choice in song lyrics, but her quick response does set a new standard—as a result, many in the disability community have taken to social media to accept her apology.
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