Scope tells Beyoncé the ‘s’ slur ‘does NOT need a Renaissance’

Disability equality charity Scope has addressed Beyoncé personally, after she received backlash for using an ableist word.

Activists and campaigners originally pointed out her song Heated contained the word “sp*z” yesterday (1st August), prompting the singer’s team to remove it from the album altogether.

Despite her team insisting the word wasn’t “used intentionally in a harmful way,” it has roots in making fun of people with disabilities, originally being used to apply to people with Cerebral Palsy.

Photo via Parkwood Entertainment

“Here we are again,” a spokesperson for Scope tweeted. “Not long after ableist language from Lizzo, Beyoncé’s new album features an ableist slur not once, but twice. Disabled people’s experiences are not fodder for song lyrics. This must stop.”

They continued, “it’s all the more surprising that she’s used this word, given the enormous response to Lizzo’s song ‘Grrrls’ in June. Thankfully, Lizzo did the right thing and re-recorded the song. It’s hard to believe that could have gone unnoticed by Beyoncé’s team.

“Words matter. They reinforce the negative attitudes disabled people face every day. When language like this is used by cultural trendsetters, is it any wonder that 3 out of 4 disabled people say they have experienced negative attitudes and behaviour?”

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They finished by saying: “Beyoncé has proven time and time again that her creativity is limitless. Why then has she chosen to use an awful, outdated slur? Bey, this word does NOT need a renaissance. We hope you’ll follow Lizzo’s example. The disabled community is tired of telling people to do better.”

After Beyoncé’s team agreed to remove the word from Heated, Scope released a second statement on Instagram.

“We’re glad to hear that Beyoncé will change the lyrics in her song ‘Heated,’ but why does this keep happening?”

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• Beyoncé will be removing the ableist slur from Heated, her team confirms
• One month on from Lizzo’s apology, Beyoncé is being called out for using an ableist slur
• ‘I’ve never seen anything like it’: Beyoncé responds to the Renaissance leak

Featured image via Parkwood Entertainment.