The song was previously criticized for its lyrics which appear to trivialize sexuality.

• Jun 14, 2018

AceShowbiz - Pop star Rita Ora has no regrets about using her song Girls to go public with her bisexuality, insisting "there's not one way to 'come out'".

The Your Song hitmaker released the Cardi B, Charli XCX, and Bebe Rexha collaboration last month, but quickly came under fire from some members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community for lyrics which appear to trivialise sexuality.

"Sometimes I just wanna kiss girls, girls, girls/Red wine, I just wanna kiss girls, girls girls," they sing in the chorus.

Rita was forced to issue a statement apologising to anyone she may have offended with the track, while also revealing it was based on "an accurate account of a very real and honest experience" in her life, as she has enjoyed relationships with both men and women in the past.

Cardi B, Charli, and Bebe all addressed the controversy in public and defended their single, and now Rita has had time to reflect on the controversy, she hopes it will make people think twice before questioning the way someone expresses their sexual orientation.

"This song is about liberation and freedom and empowerment and celebrating who you are," she tells Billboard.com. "I think the narrative (about what is and isn't an acceptable way to 'come out') is shifting already. There's not one way to come out".

The backlash has taught Rita the need to tune out unnecessary negative energy.

"I just haven't listened to the noise as much," she says about how she's bounced back from the drama. "I have been grateful for the support and for the people who have spoken out about it... And all of my friends, especially the ones in the LGBTQ community who have great big followings and have been doing amazing things for organisations, their support has kept me happy and has kept my spirits up".

As for any fans who may still be upset by Girls' lyrics, she adds, "I just want to tell them that I love them and that they are very near and dear to my heart. And that's what I really tried to convey with the (apology) statement that I put out".