Royel Otis Apologizes After Allegations of Misogynistic Lyrics in New Single

Australian duo Royel Otis have issued an apology relating to the lyrics of their latest single, “moody.”

The single, which was released on May 9 as the first taste of their new era, was written by the pair (comprising Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic) alongside Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Allen. 

However, the track has reportedly attracted criticisms of misogyny, largely due to the chorus line which states, “My girl’s a b–h when she’s moody.” In a press release issued alongside the song, Royel Otis remained relatively tight-lipped, simply noting “It’s a song about a girl,” in keeping with the text featured on the single’s artwork.

In a report from Australian outlet news.com.au, a former school friend of Pavlovic claimed the band were “deleting [social media] comments that call out the lyrics and video, while only replying to the positive ones.” The friend added, “In 2025, it’s disheartening to hear a local Australian artist – someone I know or I knew – casually refer to women as ‘b–hes’ in their lyrics.”

A statement received from the publication by Kay and Hughes Art and Entertainment Lawyers quoted the track’s recent successes while downplaying the lyrical content present within.

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“This song is written from a specific perspective, it is not intended to convey a broader view or standpoint about women in general,” Royel Otis said in the statement. “We apologise if anyone understood those lyrics otherwise.”

Royel Otis first formed in 2019, releasing a series of EPs between 2021 and 2023 before issuing their debut album, Pratts & Pain in 2024. Though their “Sofa King” track reached No. 12 on the Alternative Airplay chart in 2023, the band found widespread fame last year following their cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” for Australian radio station triple j’s Like a Version series. 

The cover topped the Alternative Airplay charts and also peaked at No. 41 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. The group’s penchant for covers was again felt when their SiriusXM session rendition of The Cranberries‘ “Linger” was released, giving them their first appearance on the Hot 100 when it reached No. 94.

In late 2024, Royel Otis won four ARIA Awards from eight nominations, including best group and best rock album, while producer Chris Collins won best produced release and best engineered release for Pratts & Pain.

More recently, the pair performed two sold-out shows at the Troubadour in Los Angeles before announcing an additional run of U.S. dates for September and October as part of their Meet Me in the Car tour.

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