Eminem bows to gay pressure for Hyde Park show

Ten years ago the world was quite a different place when it came to discrimination – particularly in regards to bigotry aimed at sexual preferences.

As a music genre Rap is littered with what many would term misogynist and homophobic lyrical content. As the world changes such blatant discrimination is no longer being tolerated – at least by the gay brigade.

Although not retracting the anti-gay content in his lyrics, rap star Eminem has bowed to pressure from gay rights activists and will be omitting offensive anti-gay references during his forthcoming UK appearance.

The face off between the star, real name Marshall Bruce Mathers III, and gay rights group OutRage! came soon after Mathers expressed interest in the offer to appear at Wireless Festival. The music event, owned and managed by Live Nation, is held yearly in London’s Hyde Park and attracts tens of thousands of fans over several days.

Organisers feared picketing by OutRage! could spell disaster for both the event and Eminem’s performance and have since received assurance from Mathers that anti-gay lyrics will not be used during his show.

It’s not the first time the two have met. In 2001 OutRage! demonstrated outside venues throughout Mathers UK tour. Eminem has not performed in the UK since, apart from a secret show in Islington in 2004.

OutRage! spokesman David Allison said: “We have a condition that he does not use lyrics that encourage or incite hatred against gay people.

“He is free to express his views on gay people, as long as he stays off the violence and hatred. He has got plenty of other lyrics to choose from.

“I think he realises singing songs advocating hate and violence just won't wash any more. Society's moved on in the last 10 years.”

OutRage! Have also collared dancehall stars such as Buju Banton and Sizzla for what they allege to be homophobic lyrics that incite hatred and violence against gays. Both artists have in response cancelled shows in the U.K.

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