Rising Stars Hit a Sour Note
Royel Otis, the Sydney-based indie-pop duo taking the global music scene by storm, is now facing intense public backlash after the release of their latest single, “Moody.” Debuting on May 9, the track has quickly stirred controversy for what many fans have labelled as misogynistic and harmful lyrics.
With a massive following of 7 million monthly Spotify listeners, Royel Otis—made up of Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic—has cultivated a devoted fanbase worldwide. Their momentum seemed unstoppable after winning four ARIA awards in 2024 and locking in performances at Glastonbury and Mad Cool Festival in Spain.
Fan Uproar Over Sexist Themes
But the release of “Moody” has dampened their rising popularity. While the track has already garnered nearly 80,000 views on YouTube, the lyrics have drawn sharp criticism from fans accusing the band of promoting sexist tropes. Some listeners have even claimed that the duo is deleting critical comments about the song.
A contentious verse reads:
“I got good intentions / She don’t see them at all / She’d rather mention / That I missed her call / I’m in the doghouse again…”
Lyrics Cross the Line, Say Fans
The lyric sparking the most outrage refers to a former girlfriend as a “bitch.” For many, this word not only reinforces gendered stereotypes but also contributes to a culture of normalized misogyny. Social media users have voiced concern that such language undermines women’s voices and paints female emotional expression as irrational or aggressive.
Despite the group’s success and signature mellow sound, fans are now urging Royel Otis to reflect on the implications of their messaging. Some longtime followers expressed disappointment that a band known for heartfelt songwriting would include lyrics seen as dismissive of women’s emotions.
Industry Reputation at Risk
The backlash has raised questions about artist responsibility in popular music, especially when addressing sensitive social issues. With a growing number of musicians being held accountable for their lyrics, Royel Otis may face pressure to issue a public response or clarify the intent behind the controversial lines.
Whether this controversy will significantly impact their upcoming performances or streaming success remains to be seen. But the discussion it has ignited shows that fans are increasingly unwilling to ignore problematic content, even from their favorite artists.
Rising Stars Hit a Sour Note
Royel Otis, the Sydney-based indie-pop duo taking the global music scene by storm, is now facing intense public backlash after the release of their latest single, “Moody.” Debuting on May 9, the track has quickly stirred controversy for what many fans have labelled as misogynistic and harmful lyrics.
With a massive following of 7 million monthly Spotify listeners, Royel Otis—made up of Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic—has cultivated a devoted fanbase worldwide. Their momentum seemed unstoppable after winning four ARIA awards in 2024 and locking in performances at Glastonbury and Mad Cool Festival in Spain.
Fan Uproar Over Sexist Themes
But the release of “Moody” has dampened their rising popularity. While the track has already garnered nearly 80,000 views on YouTube, the lyrics have drawn sharp criticism from fans accusing the band of promoting sexist tropes. Some listeners have even claimed that the duo is deleting critical comments about the song.
A contentious verse reads:
“I got good intentions / She don’t see them at all / She’d rather mention / That I missed her call / I’m in the doghouse again…”
Lyrics Cross the Line, Say Fans
The lyric sparking the most outrage refers to a former girlfriend as a “bitch.” For many, this word not only reinforces gendered stereotypes but also contributes to a culture of normalized misogyny. Social media users have voiced concern that such language undermines women’s voices and paints female emotional expression as irrational or aggressive.
Despite the group’s success and signature mellow sound, fans are now urging Royel Otis to reflect on the implications of their messaging. Some longtime followers expressed disappointment that a band known for heartfelt songwriting would include lyrics seen as dismissive of women’s emotions.
Apology Issued—But Is It Enough?
Following the online uproar, Royel Otis issued an apology in response to the backlash. Although the apology has been characterized by some as “groveling,” others felt it was a step in the right direction. Still, many fans remain disappointed by what they perceive as a lack of self-awareness from the duo.
The duo’s core fan base has long appreciated their emotional honesty and atmospheric sounds, but the release of “Moody” may challenge their relationship with audiences who expect artists to grow with sensitivity. The concern is not just about one word or phrase—it’s about the tone it sets in a broader cultural context.
Accountability in Modern Music
The controversy underscores a rising trend in the music industry: fans holding artists accountable for the messages embedded in their lyrics. As artists continue to push boundaries, the public demands they do so with respect, nuance, and responsibility.
Royel Otis now finds themselves at a crossroads—can they rebuild trust with fans while maintaining their artistic edge? That remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on how they’ll respond moving forward, both in their music and in their public engagements.
