John Legend and Kelly Clarkson update controversial Christmas classic 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' for #MeToo era

John Legend and Kelly Clarkson will release an updated version of the controversial Christmas classic 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' after the lyrics of the original were criticised in light of the #MeToo movement.

Legend rewrote the lyrics of the song, originally written in 1944, with US actor Natasha Rothwell, after a radio station banned it from playlists last year.

The original duet includes alternate lines between a man and woman where he tries to convince her not to risk a journey home in bad weather.

Instead, he tries to convince her to have another drink and spend the night.

Some critics suggested the line "Say what's in this drink? (No cabs to be had out there)" could be an allusion to date rape.

Frank Loesser wrote the song in 1944 and performed with his wife Lynn Loesser. Credit: PA

According to Vanity Fair, Legend and Clarkson's updated lines include "What will my friends think? (I think they should rejoice) / If I have one more drink? (It's your body, and your choice)."

The new version of Baby, It's Cold Outside will feature on Legend's festive album A Legendary Christmas.

Last year a radio station in Cleveland, Ohio stopped playing Baby, It's Cold Outside after some listeners said the song was inappropriate.

Star 102 host Glenn Anderson said he recognised society was different when the song was released, but he did not think it has a place today.

Written in 1944 by Frank Loesser, Baby, It's Cold Outside featured in 1949 romantic comedy Neptune's Daughter and won the Academy Award for best original song.

It has since been covered by artists including Dean Martin, Tom Jones and Lady Gaga.