The derogatory term has been used to mock, for example, people with mental health problems and people who have received a spastic brain injury.
Vocalist Beyonce re-records the lyrics of his new song Heated. The reason for the recording is the artist’s criticism of the choice of words in the song.
The song, released on the Renaissance album, contains a derogatory term that has been used to degrade people with spastic cerebral palsy, among others. The term can also be offensive to those suffering from mental health problems.
The Renaissance album was released on Friday, July 29.
Beyoncé’s spokesperson said BBC (switch to another service), that the term was not used intentionally to denigrate people. According to the spokesperson, the word in question has different connotations in the United States.
The word in question will be replaced by another word in the lyrics. The exact schedule for the re-recording has not yet been announced.
The same term has been used in the lyrics of American artists before. Just a few weeks ago, a pop star Lizzo apologized for using the same word in his song GRRRLS.
Lizzo re-released the song, removing the offending lyrics.
The disability organization demands that the lyrics be changed immediately
Disability specialist Hannah Diviney tells the BBC that the use of that word felt like a “slap in the face” from fans and anyone who understands its meaning.
“I’m tired and frustrated that we’re having this conversation again so soon after artist Lizzo did the same,” Diviney said.
The disability organization Scope has also asked Beyoncé to change the lyrics of the song immediately.
– We hope this is the last time we see anything like this from anyone, let alone musicians with massive global influence, Scope Media Manager Warren Kirwan said.