Cara Delevingne says Rita Ora shouldn’t have apologised for controversial song ‘Girls’
(Jonathan Leibson/Getty)
Cara Delevingne has defended Rita Ora after her new song, “Girls,” was criticised for what LGBT singers including Hayley Kiyoko called “downright tone-deaf” and “harmful” lyrics.
Ora apologised after the track – which she recorded with Charli XCX, Carli B and Bebe Rexha and has said is “definitely” a bisexual anthem – sparked a backlash.
The star also appeared to come out during her apology, writing: “I have had romantic relationships with women and men throughout my life and this is my personal journey.”
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Delevingne has stepped up to defend Ora – who PinkNews discovered has tweeted that people are “TOOO HOMO” and “sooo homo” – and the other singers on the track.
Speaking to Paper Magazine, she said: “I love all of those artists, I think it’s a really great song.
“And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. I think it’s not fair to point a finger. I love Rita. I think she’s a wonderful artist and I always support her in what she does.
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“I don’t think it’s right to say her experience and her words are wrong. If she hadn’t ever felt that way and it wasn’t true then that would be weird.
“She’s being proud of something and saying it.”
The Suicide Squad star, who has come out as genderfluid and last year defined her sexuality as “fluid,” added that Ora was “being honest about something she may not have been comfortable before.
“I don’t think it’s wrong. And people disagreeing with it and being vocal… no one’s ever going to fully back one thing that happens.
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“There’s always going to be a conversation. It’s why you make music, or movies, so people can talk about it. That’s the point.”
Ora’s apology was unnecessary, the model and actress said.
“She didn’t need to apologise. She did nothing wrong. She should be able to come forth and say: ‘This is the way I did this and I’m going to keep on singing this song because it’s a great song,’ she insisted.
“It came from the right intention and that’s what’s most important.”
Kiyoko, know to her fans as a ‘lesbian Jesus,’ criticised “Girls” after it came out on May 11, saying: “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.
Hayley Kiyoko (Randy Shropshire/Getty)
She added: “A song like this just fuels the male gaze while marginalising the idea of women loving women.”
“I don’t need to drink wine to kiss girls; I’ve loved women my entire life,” continued Kiyoko, who has repeatedly portrayed lesbian relationships in her songs and videos.
“This type of message is dangerous because it completely belittles and invalidates the very pure feelings of an entire community.”
The star, who has popularised the best name for 2018 – 20GayTeen – finished: “We can and should do better.”
Kehlani (Christopher Polk/Getty)
Kehlani said sentiments contained within the track “weren’t progressive,” adding that “there. were. harmful. lyrics.”
