South African singer, Tyla has responded to allegations that she comes across as a mean girl, insisting that being outspoken and direct does not make her unkind.

Speaking in a recent interview with Apple Music’s Ebro, the Grammy winning artist addressed the criticism head on, describing herself as opinionated and blunt while pushing back against the mean girl label that has followed her in recent months.

The singer, who rose to global fame with her breakout hit Water, has faced recurring commentary online about her personality and public interactions, with clips from various appearances often dissected by fans and critics who accuse her of coming across as cold or dismissive.

Tyla used the interview to clarify that her forthright manner should not be mistaken for hostility, stressing that speaking her mind honestly is simply part of who she is.

The conversation comes at a significant moment in her career, with the singer’s much anticipated second studio album drawing attention from fans worldwide. Tyla has continued to attract global buzz not just for her music but also for her personality and public image, with moments from red carpets, interviews and social media frequently sparking wider conversations among her massive online following.

By addressing the allegations directly rather than ignoring them, Tyla appears keen to reshape the narrative around her public persona, distinguishing between confidence and bluntness on one hand and the mean girl characterisation that has trailed her on the other.

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