Rita Ora tweets apology for song criticised by LGBTQ community

Rita Ora has tweeted out an apology and an explanation for the lyrics in her new song "Girls" after receiving criticism from members of the LGBTQ community.

CARD ID: 350560

Last Friday, on the day of the song's release, musician Hayley Kyoko shared the following post on Instagram.

CARD ID: 350555

"I don't need to drink wine to kiss girls; I've loved women my entire life." That line appears to reference the chorus of Ora's song, the lyrics of which are:

"Sometimes I just wanna kiss/ Girls girls girls/ Red wine I just wanna kiss/ Girls girls girls"

Kiyoko's post wasn't the only criticism the song received, either.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

CARD ID: 350561

On Monday, Ora tweeted the following response.

CARD ID: 350556

"I have had romantic relationships with women and men throughout my life and this is my personal journey," she wrote.

"I am sorry how I expressed myself in my song has hurt anyone. I would never intentionally cause harm to other LGBTQ+ people or anyone."

Following her statement, a number of people have come to her defence.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Others, meanwhile, have responded saying she shouldn't have had to make any statement at all.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.