The new single “Girls” sung by Rita Ora, featuring Charli XCX, Bebe Rexha, and Cardi B had many fans excited. The quartet of women hyped up the song, and many fans thought that it would be the “bisexual anthem,” as Ora herself is bisexual.

However, following the release of the song, the artists were hit with a have of backlash. The lyrics seem harmless at first: “Sometimes, I just wanna kiss girls, girls, girls; Red wine, I just wanna kiss girls, girls, girls; Girls, girls, girls, girls, girls.” There are a few empowering, truthful hidden gems, such as Ora’s “I ain’t one-sided, I’m open minded; I’m fifty-fifty and I’m never gonna hide it.” Despite this, the bisexual artist has been receiving more criticism than praise, especially from other LGBT+ women in the industry.

“…Every so often there come certain songs with messaging that is just downright tone-deaf, which does more harm than good for the LGBTQ+ community.” Pop artist Hayley Kiyoko said. “A song like this just fuels the male gaze while marginalizing the idea of women loving women… I don’t need to drink wine to kiss girls; I’ve loved women my entire life.”

Many felt the song was less about bisexuality and more about experimentation.

“I hear the familiar chorus that women’s sexuality is something to be looked at instead of authentically felt.” Katie Gavin of MUNA said.

On May 14, three days after the track was released, Ora posted an apology on her Twitter.

“Girls was written to represent my truth and is an accurate account of a very real and honest experience in my life.” Ora said. “…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. Looking forward, I hope that continuing to express myself through my art will empower my fans to feel as proud of themselves as I’m learning to feel about who I am.”