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

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

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"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.

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On Monday, Ora tweeted the following response.

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"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.

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

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