Olly Murs defended 'misogynistic' song lyrics that sparked backlash

Olly Murs' explanation to the lyrics of his controversial new release has resurfaced amid the backlash the song's facing online.

Gone are the cheesy days of 'Dear Darlin'' and 'Heart Skips A Beat,' for Olly Murs has entered a new music era.

Fans have been left divided by the former X-Factor contestant's latest tune, with some branding the lyrics as 'pretty gross'.

However, prior to 'I Hate You When You're Drunk' being released, Murs opened up about the process of writing it, voicing his belief it's actually 'a fun song'.

He said: "I thought it was a fun song to write as there have been so many times where a friend, family member or loved one has had one too many.

"It’s a light-hearted take from the sober person’s point of view. We all know someone!"

PA Images/ Alamy Stock Photo

Despite Murs' rationale behind the tune, many listeners have leapt to social media in outrage over its lyrics.

One said: "Both me and husband kept looking at each other in disbelief, almost waiting for the ‘punchline’… I kept saying “this can’t be serious, surely?!”. Bloody awful sexist heap of cr*p !"

"Oh @ollymurs what the f**k have you done. Good luck with the new song buddy you’re going to need it you gaslighting, sexist, soggy digestive biscuit of a man. @BBCRadio2 please stop playing it, it’s abhorrent," another wrote.

A third commented: "Olly Murs' new song 'I Hate You When You're Drunk', in which he calls his girlfriend 'a mess' for having fun at a party, is the lead single from an album called... Marry Me."

@RymerAbbie/ Twitter

While Murs is yet to speak out since his song's release, his fiancée, bodybuilder Amelia Tank, has addressed the backlash her beau's single has been facing.

A Twitter user took to the platform to condemn the track's lyrics and note they were 'look[ing] forward' to hearing Tank's response to it.

They wrote: "Olly Murs is quite the sad, controlling boyfriend according to the lyrics of his new song, 'I Hate You When You're Drunk'.

"I look forward to her reply song, 'I Hate You When You Sing'."

@tankintraining/ Instagram

Screenshotting the tweet and sharing it to her Instagram story, Tank thanked the user for their 'concern' but confirmed she 'love[s] [her] *NON* controlling *FIANCE* even more when he sings'.

"This latest single is actually one of my favourites from the album," she continued. "I wouldn't lose any sleep over it bbz because I'm deffo not #itsjustabitoffun. Lots of love and have a magical evening."

Topics: Music, Social Media, Twitter, Instagram

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.