Beyonce to replace disparaging slur in co-written song ‘Heated’
After receiving criticism from disability advocates, American artist, Beyonce Knowles, has decided to take an ableist epithet out of her new album, Renaissance.
After receiving stellar reviews for the Friday-released album, the 40-year-old musician received criticism over the weekend after listeners pointed out that the song “Heated” contained a disparaging slur.
Beyoncé used the term “spazzin” in the song she co-wrote with Drake, which is offensive to those who have spastic cerebral palsy.
An individual’s capacity to regulate their muscles, particularly those in their arms and legs, is damaged by this condition.
Since the song’s debut, many people have criticized it on Twitter.
Disability rights activist, Hannah Diviney wrote on Twitter:
“So @Beyoncé used the word ‘spazzin in her new song Heated. Feels like a slap in the face to me, the disabled community and the progress we tried to make with Lizzo.”
“Guess I’ll just keep telling the whole industry to ‘do better’ until ableist slurs disappear from music.”
Another user tweeted:
“Screw you @Beyoncé. You should be a role model, not making money from the lazy use of derogatory language. Shame on you.”
The perceived disparaging slur will be replaced, representatives of the singer told CNN on Monday adding that Beyonce didn’t use “the word intentionally in a harmful way. (It) will be replaced.”