Australian Duo Royel Otis Issues Apology Over Controversial Lyrics in Latest Single “moody”
Australian indie duo Royel Otis—made up of Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic—have recently found themselves at the center of a backlash concerning the lyrics of their newest single, “moody.” Released on May 9 as the lead track from their fresh new era, the song was co-written alongside Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Allen. However, it has sparked criticism for a line in the chorus that many listeners have labeled as misogynistic: “My girl’s a b–h when she’s moody.”
In response to the growing controversy, Royel Otis issued a statement acknowledging the concerns but also attempting to clarify their intentions. They explained that the song is “written from a specific perspective” and “is not intended to convey a broader view or standpoint about women in general.” The duo expressed regret for any hurt caused, saying, “We apologise if anyone understood those lyrics otherwise.”
Despite this, some fans and observers remain dissatisfied. According to a report by Australian outlet news.com.au, a former school friend of Otis Pavlovic revealed that the band had been deleting critical comments on social media while only engaging with positive feedback. The friend shared their disappointment, saying, “In 2025, it’s disheartening to hear a local Australian artist—someone I know or knew—casually refer to women as ‘b–hes’ in their lyrics.”
Royel Otis first emerged on the music scene in 2019, steadily building a devoted following through a series of EPs between 2021 and 2023. Their debut album, Pratts & Pain, arrived in 2024, earning critical acclaim. The duo first garnered widespread attention with their 2023 single “Sofa King,” which climbed to No. 12 on the Alternative Airplay chart. Their popularity surged even further last year with a standout cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” for the beloved Australian radio segment Like a Version. The cover not only topped the Alternative Airplay charts but also reached No. 41 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
Their knack for reinterpretations continued with a rendition of The Cranberries’ classic “Linger” recorded during a SiriusXM session, marking their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 94.
In late 2024, Royel Otis solidified their place in the Australian music scene by taking home four ARIA Awards from eight nominations—including Best Group and Best Rock Album. Producer Chris Collins also scored wins for Best Produced Release and Best Engineered Release for Pratts & Pain.
Most recently, the duo wowed fans with two sold-out shows at the iconic Troubadour in Los Angeles and have announced an expanded string of U.S. dates throughout September and October as part of their Meet Me in the Car tour.
While the controversy around “moody” has stirred debate, Royel Otis continue to make waves both on and off the stage, navigating the complexities of artistic expression in today’s cultural landscape.