"Controversy" is a song by American musician Prince, released in September 1981 by Warner Bros. as the lead single and title track to his fourth album (1981). The song was written and produced by him, and addresses speculation about Prince at the time such as his sexuality, gender, religion, and racial background, and how he could not understand the curiosity surrounding him. "Controversy" is considered Prince's breakthrough hit in Australia, where it peaked at number 15. In the US, it peaked at numbers three and 70 on the US Billboard Soul Singles chart and Billboard Hot 100. Also, along with the track, "Let's Work", "Controversy" was the first of seven number ones on the dance chart for Prince. On November 29, 1993, in support of The Hits/The B-Sides, the song was once again released in the UK as a single, reaching number five on the UK Singles Chart in December 1993.