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Rita Ora had ‘every right to tell her story’ in controversial new song, says Charlie XCX

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Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Rita Ora has been the subject of intense criticism from ​LGBT+ activists and fellow singers for her new song ‘Girls’.

Singers Kehlani and Hayley Kiyoko both comdemned the song for belittling the LGBT+ community.

Now, Charli XCX, who is featured on the track, came out to defend Ora.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, the singer insists that people should stop judging her friend, who is simply singing about her own personal experiences.

I know from when Rita invited me to be a part of the song, this song was about a specific experience that she had with a woman. 

I know that Rita's had extremely meaningful relationships with both men and women. She really does have every right to tell her story because she's not doing it from an exploitative viewpoint: she's been with women and had relationships with women. She's had relationships with men too. I don't understand why her story is less valid than anybody else's. 

Charli XCX added that she had read what Kiyoko and Kehlani had to say about the song and insisted “the intention of the song was never to hurt anybody”.

Rita had never confirmed her sexuality. She basically felt like she had come out.

Ora has since apologised. She said:

I am sorry how I expressed myself in my song has hurt anyone. 

I have had romantic relationships with women and men through my life and this is my personal journey. 

More: 'Harmful. Lyrics. Period.' - Singer Kehlani calls out Rita Ora's new song

More: Rita Ora's new song 'belittles' LGBT+ community, Hayley Kiyoko says

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