In this R&B-esque dance cut, Lady Gaga compares letting the media talk about her any way they want to giving explicit romantic consent. R. Kelly joins in to be the actual lover who she goes to.

Considering the song’s subject matter, the cover art fits, as opposed to being sexual for the sake of marketing.

Due to hitting #1 on iTunes charts all over the world, it was promoted from ARTPOP’s first promotional single to the second official single.

Since the song’s release in 2013, R. Kelly’s allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct grew to monumental levels. As a proponent of Gaga proceeded to face criticism as she continued to keep silent on the matter. However, she finally took to Twitter on January 9, 2019, to share a note regarding the situation. She stated her belief in the accusers and support of all victims of sexual assault, denounced R. Kelly and his allegations, and explained how her past experiences and mental capacity at the time led to the song being pushed forward:

The song is called ‘Do What U Want (With My Body)’, I think it’s clear how explicitly twisted my thinking was at the time. If I could go back and have a talk with my younger self I’d tell her to go through the therapy I have since then, so that I could understand the confused post-traumatic state I was in. […] I’m sorry, both for my poor judgment when I was young, and not for speaking out sooner.

She also announced the removal of the song from digital marketplaces and streaming platforms. Two days later on January 11th 2013, the song and remix EP were removed, though the re-release with fellow pop artist Christina Aguilera remains available, but is not included on ARTPOP.

The same day, Christina expressed her support on Twitter:

Being a survivor of past predators myself, these lines spoke to me, which is why I did the song. I embrace all survivors of sexual and domestic violence and abuse holding a special place in my heart, and you @ladygaga, for doing the right thing!