Australian pop duo Royel Otis is under fire after fans called out their new single “Moody” for containing lyrics that many say are misogynistic. The band has since apologized, but critics argue the damage is done.
The song, released on May 9, 2025, includes the line:
“My girl’s a bitch when she’s moody.”
Fans quickly took to social media to criticize the lyrics, calling them outdated and harmful. Some accused the band of deleting negative comments, while others questioned why such language was used in 2025.
Royel Otis responded through their lawyers, saying the song was written from a “specific perspective” and not meant to generalize women. The backlash has sparked a wider debate about responsibility in music.
The Controversial Lyrics
The song’s chorus includes:
“Last time, she said she would kill me / My girl’s a bitch when she’s moody / But she’s my everything.”
Other lines describe a troubled relationship, with the singer complaining about being “in the doghouse again” and his girlfriend “always accusin’.” Critics say these lyrics reinforce negative stereotypes about women.
A former schoolmate of band member Otis Pavlovic told news.com.au:
“In 2025, it’s disheartening to hear a local Australian artist casually refer to women as ‘bitches’ in their lyrics. They’ve been deleting comments that call out the lyrics, which is dismissive and cowardly.”
Fan Reactions and Social Media Backlash
Fans flooded Royel Otis’ Instagram post with criticism. One user wrote:
“These lyrics are not only boring, they are misogynist. Deleting comments just shows your real behavior.”
Another added:
“Releasing a song with lyrics like this during a femicide epidemic is crazy. Shame on you.”
Many pointed out that the band only responded to positive comments, ignoring the criticism. Some fans defended the song, saying it was being taken out of context.
Royel Otis’ Response
The band’s management issued a statement through their lawyers:
“This song is written from a specific perspective, it is not intended to convey a broader view or standpoint about women in general. We apologize if anyone understood those lyrics otherwise.”
They also highlighted that “Moody” is their highest-performing release, with strong digital and radio numbers. However, critics say the apology feels weak and doesn’t address the real issue.
Broader Impact
This isn’t the first time musicians have faced backlash for problematic lyrics. Taylor Swift changed a line in “Better Than Revenge” in 2023, and Beyoncé removed an ableist slur from “Heated” in 2022.
The controversy comes as Royel Otis prepares for a major US tour, including performances at Glastonbury and Lollapalooza. Some fans are now questioning whether they’ll continue supporting the duo.
What’s Next?
The band has not announced any changes to the song. With over 98,000 YouTube views and growing streams, “Moody” remains popular despite the backlash.
Critics hope this incident sparks a larger conversation about accountability in music. Meanwhile, Royel Otis will have to decide if they’ll address the concerns more directly.
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Sources: Stereogum, Rolling Stone AU/NZ, news.com.au, NME, Billboard, Pedestrian TV
