Beyoncé Blasted For Using Ableist Slur On ‘Renaissance’ Album

Beyoncé is one of the world’s best-selling music artists, having sold more than 120 million records as a solo artist by 2010. The singer and songwriter announced her seventh studio album, Renaissance, on June 15th, and it dropped to fans’ delight. Now, Beyoncé is currently facing criticism for using an ableist slur in the lyrics of a song from her new album.

Beyoncé is under fire for using an ableist slur in the lyrics of her Renaissance song, “Heated.” The uproar came only months after Lizzo was chastised for using the term in her song “GRRRLS.” In this new controversy, Beyoncé sings in her song, “Spazzin’ on that ass, spaz on that ass.” In all honesty, the song’s lyrics are filthy all together, and you can find a portion from Genius below.

Whiskey ’til I’m tipsy, glitter on my kitty (Ooh)
Cool it down, down, down, my pretty
Bad, bad bitchy make the bad bitch glitchy
Fine, fine, fine-fine, fine-fine, fine, fine
Liberated, livin’ like we ain’t got time
Yadda, yadda, yah, yadda, yadda, yah, yah
Yadda, yadda, yadda, bom, bom, ka, ka
Spazzin’ on that ass, spaz on that ass
Fan me quick, girl, I need my glass
Fan me off, my wrist goes click
Dimples on my hip, stretch marks on my tits
Drinkin’ my water, mindin’ my biz
Monday, I’m overrated, Tuesday, on my dick
Flip-flop, flippy, flip-floppin’-ass bitch
Fan me off, watch my wrist go click

The word derives from the term “spastic.” It is often used derogatorily to describe those with disabilities, particularly those with cerebral palsy. After Lizzo’s own controversy, disability advocate Hannah Diviney told the BBC that the song “feels like a slap in the face.”

“I’m tired and frustrated that we’re having this conversation again so soon after we got such a meaningful and progressive response from Lizzo.”

Lizzo eventually modified the song’s lyrics and issued a statement on social media. She was very sorry for accidentally offending anyone.

“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 so I overstand [sic] the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally).”

The backlash for “Heated” lyrics isn’t the only criticism Beyoncé has received for Renaissance. Kelis also called out the iconic singer for interpolating her song “Milkshake” into “Energy.” Kelis claims she was never approached for permission and calls the act “theft.”

Let’s see whether Beyoncé makes a statement as well. Below are some of the reactions to “Heated.” To get the latest updates, keep an eye on Thirsty.

What’s your opinion on this one? Let us know in the comments!