Rita Ora revealed she has had “romantic relationships” with both men and women as she apologised for the lyrics of her latest single in the wake of criticism from LGBT musicians.
Ora, 27, released Girls last week but faced accusations the track was attempting to exploit bisexuality.
Singers including Kehlani and Hayley Kiyoko criticised the song, with Kiyoko saying its message was “dangerous”.
hate to be THAT guy but there were many awkward slurs, quotes, and moments that were like “word? word”
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) May 11, 2018
and don’t make this personal.
i have an incredible song out with one of the artists, and would love to work with the other three as well. & have met them all and respect them.
there. were. harmful. lyrics.period. love y’all. 🤗
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) May 11, 2018
Now Ora has replied to the backlash on Twitter, apologising for the song and revealing she has had “romantic relationships” with women.
She said: “Hello everyone reading this. Girls was written to represent a 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 Ora (@RitaOra) May 14, 2018
“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.”
Ora added: “I’m ever thankful to my fans for teaching me to love myself no matter what. I have strived to be a contributor to the LGBTQ+ community throughout my entire career and always will be.”
Ora previously told People magazine she wanted the song, which also features Charli XCX, Cardi B and Bebe Rexha, to be a bisexual anthem.