Singers Kehlani and Hayley Kiyoko both expressed issues with the song. Kehlani said that, while she loved and respected all the artists on the song, she didn’t feel as though the lyrics were very progressive. Kiyoko expressed her dislike of the song’s chorus, which revolves around drinking wine and wanting to kiss girls.
Today, Rita Ora posted an apology for the song’s lyrics on Twitter, and revealed that she had been in romantic relationships with both men and women. In the statement, she writes, “Girls was written to represent my truth and is an accurate account of a very real and honest experience in my life. I have had romantic relationships with women and men throughout my life and this is my personal journey.”
Rita goes on to apologize if her song lyrics hurt anyone, and that she strives to continue to express herself through her art, so that her fans can find inspiration from her.
While the apology is surely appreciated by those who didn’t appreciate her lyrics, it remains to be seen whether Rita will be comfortable performing the big lead single from her new album now that she’s dealt with this controversy. It’s a shame that this was the context that she felt she had to come out to the world.
See the whole apology below.
— Rita Ora (@RitaOra) May 14, 2018
