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Beyoncé to re-record offensive Renaissance lyric

Disability campaigners criticised singer Beyoncé over use of offensive lyric in her latest album, Renaissance.

US singer Beyoncé has agreed to re-record an offensive lyric in her new Renaissance album.

The word used is a derogatory term for a form of cerebral palsy known as spastic diplegia. It is also used as an insult against anyone with a noticeable disability.

Beyoncé acted swiftly to the backlash and confirmed the song Heated, which contained the derogatory term will be re-recorded and lyrics replaced.

We speak to Tara Allen, who is neurodivergent and has had the term used against her as a child. She says, "I wish the term hadn't been used at all," adding, "there should've been some learning before to know the term was not an appropriate term."

She describes what it is like to live with neurodiversity and how the term has been used to "diminish her experience". She welcomes Beyoncé's move to change the lyrics but feels "its not job done until people understand why the word is harmful and how it harms the community". She points out that many people are still trying to justify use of the term.

(Photo: Singer Beyoncé arrives at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. Credit: Reuters)

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