Beyonce is set to replace a derogatory term which features in the lyrics to a song from her new album Renaissance, after receiving criticism from charities and campaigners.

Heated, which is co-written by Drake and other writers, included what was described as an “ableist slur” for the condition spastic cerebral palsy, the most common type of cerebral palsy.

The song features on Beyonce‘s seventh solo album, which looks likely to top charts around the world following its release at the end of July.

Following a backlash, the word is now set to be replaced, with a spokesperson for the star telling Sky News it was not “used intentionally in a harmful way”.

Warren Kirwan, media manager at disability equality charity Scope, had described the mega star’s use of the “deeply offensive term” as “appalling”, while disability advocate Hannah Diviney said the singer’s status as one of the most famous musicians in the world did not “excuse her use of ableist language”.

The criticism of Beyonce came just weeks after Lizzo said she would release a new version of her song GRRRLS following complaints about her use of the same term.

Lizzo acknowledged the word was “harmful” and said: “I never want to promote derogatory language.

Beyoncé thanks fans for ‘love and protection’ after seventh album Renaissance was leaked

Beyonce is back: Star releases new single Break My Soul hours early

Beyoncé announces her first album in six years, Renaissance, to be released in July

“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 star told fans she is “dedicated to being part of the change I’ve been waiting to see in the world”.

In a statement, Mr Kirwan said: “Just weeks ago, Lizzo received a huge backlash from fans who felt hurt and let down after she used the same abhorrent language…

“Words matter because they reinforce the negative attitudes disabled people face every day, and which impact on every aspect of disabled people’s lives.”

In a first person article for Australian site Hireup, republished in the Guardian, Ms Diviney, who is from Sydney and has cerebral palsy, wrote: “Beyoncé’s commitment to storytelling musically and visually is unparalleled, as is her power to have the world paying attention to the narratives, struggles and nuanced lived experience of being a black woman – a world I can only ever understand as an ally, and have no desire to overshadow.

“But that doesn’t excuse her use of ableist language – language that gets used and ignored all too often.”

Related posts:

Seth Rogen says Emma Watson did not ‘storm off set’ during This Is The End cannibal scene Harry Redknapp confirmed to make EastEnders cameo during Euros Famous Levi’s launderette advert model and Madonna protege dies at 59 R Kelly channels dropped by YouTube after racketeering and sex trafficking conviction Friendly Fires hit out at Tories for using their song at Boris Johnson’s conference speech James Bond actor Daniel Craig honoured with Hollywood Walk of Fame star Jodie Comer, Ridley Scott and the week’s best TV UB40 founding member Astro dies after short illness Stereophonics gigs pushed back over variant fears – as union calls for mask mandate in theatres Unvaccinated fans banned from attending Adele’s Vegas shows ‘We are parting ways’: Jason Momoa announces split from wife Lisa Bonet Star Wars designer behind the Death Star and X-wing dies