Ball said the poem contained language Pitcock deemed offensive, including a form of "the N-word" and a slang term for women's breasts. In the context of the piece, Ball said she used those words to combat black stereotypes and to empower women. Ball said the poem was not approved by the show's sponsor, as she finished it the morning of her performance. She conceded later that she should have reached out for approval, but added that the sponsor, who knew she hadn't finished the piece, should have contacted her before the performance.