Beyoncé announced that she would re-record a song for her new album in response to criticism from disability rights activists.
A disrespectful phrase that is frequently used to disparage people with spastic cerebral palsy was used in her song Heated, which was released on Friday.
However, the singer’s representative told the media that the word can have several implications and connotations in the US, stating that it was “not used intentionally in a harmful way.”
The American superstar’s publicist said the term would be replaced in the song’s lyrics but did not give a specific date.
Other female pop singers have faced similar reactions in the past. Recently, pop star Lizzo apologized for using the same word in her song GRRRLS, saying that it was not intentional as she would never promote the offensive language.
Just days later, the About Damn Time singer reposted the song without the offending term.
Both fans and activists criticized Heated’s lyrics after it was released. Disability advocate Hannah Diviney said hearing the term in the song was “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,” she added.
Media manager for disability charity Scope Warren Kirwan asked Beyoncé to re-record the track but omitting the term, and praised the star’s quick response.
“It’s good Beyoncé has acted so swiftly after disabled people yet again called out this thoughtless lyric,” he added.
However, Mr. Warren said he hoped this was the last time they saw such acts by musicians with massive global influence, stating that the situation left “a feeling of deja vu” after Lizzo had to re-release a song for using the same offensive language.
Some fans of the Single Ladies singer have defended her, arguing that the word can mean “freaking out” or “going crazy” in the US.
Heated is part of Beyoncé’s new album Renaissance, which is expected to top the charts around the world this week.
