The artist (and former America's Next Top Model presenter) has faced widespread criticism since the release of the single, suggesting that she is co-opting the experiences of LGBT+ individuals for personal gain. Despite the fact that rapper Cardi B is also openly bisexual, many have suggested these experiences are not for the four artists involved to appropriate. Singer Hayley Kiyoko – dubbed "lesbian Jesus" by her fans – called the song "tone-deaf", stating that it did "more harm than good for the LGBTQ+ community", whilst queer artist Kehlani found "Girls" to contain "many awkward slurs".

Whilst Ora has previously hinted at her sexuality, "Girls" was the first explicit reference to her own queerness, containing the lyric "I'm fifty-fifty and I'm never gonna hide it". For some reason, that wasn't clear enough for her detractors, so today she posted an apologetic statement on Twitter addressing the criticism levelled at the new single. She stated that it was "written to represent my truth", before adding: "I have had romantic relationships with women and men throughout my life and this is my personal journey."