A disability charity has urged Lizzo not to leave disabled people out of her message of “self-acceptance” after the pop star used an ableist slur in her recent song Grrrls.
Since the song was released on June 10, the American singer has faced backlash for using a derogatory term for the condition spastic cerebral palsy in the opening verse.
Those who have spoken out include disability charity Scope, which said “self-love should be for everyone”.
Dear @Lizzo, your songs spread the message of self-acceptance.
Please don’t leave disabled people out by using slurs in your lyrics. Self-love should be for everyone.
We know you can do better 💜 https://t.co/Pjd0tA7x3k
— Scope (@scope) June 13, 2022
The charity wrote in a statement on Twitter: “Dear @Lizzo, your songs spread the message of self-acceptance.
“Please don’t leave disabled people out by using slurs in your lyrics. Self-love should be for everyone. We know you can do better.”
The singer is known for promoting a message of body positivity and self-love in her music.
Fans have also criticised the use of the ableist slur, with some calling for Lizzo to delete and re-record the song.
The PA news agency has contacted her for comment.