James Arthur who won last year’s X Factor has apologised to the gay community after an argument on Twitter in which he used the homophobic slur ‘You F**king Queer’ in a rap.
The singer was responding to an underground rapper, Micky Worthless, who criticised Arthur’s decision to enter X Factor in 2012. Arthur responded with a rap which included the gay slur, ‘You f**king queer’.
Openly gay comedian Matt Lucas quickly condemned the move.
However, James Arthur was quick to point out he is friends with many gay people – including Rylan Clark.
He then suggested that parts of the rap could be ‘mistaken’ for being homophobic, before saying that homophobia is not something he believes in.
‘I just have to say I’m extremely disappointed in myself for being so naive with the diss track I made for an unknown rapper recently..
‘Some of the things said in this rap can be mistaken for homophobic slurs and I assure you homophobia is something I do not believe in
‘I have many many gay friends. In rap feuds/rap disses the words I used have a different intent. This is a straight man I was attacking
‘A straight man who littered his track with severe homophobic slurs towards me.. Like I said though it was a rap diss ..
‘And in no way a reflection of my true character.. I’ve heard I’ve offended Matt Lucas who’s work I have always admired and that is a blow.
‘Deeply deeply sorry to any gay or lesbian people out there.
‘Plus Rylan is one of my best mates and he is as gay as they come! #LOVE’
He then went on to explain further:
‘Any offence I have caused by using the term ‘queer’ in my rap battle with MC Worthless… would just like to make it completely clear that it was not meant in anyway as a reference to homosexuality.
‘I realise where the term has come from in meaning.. but used in the context of the rap battles I have grown up with it has come to mean something completely different..
‘That said, I understand why it could cause offence and that definitely wasn’t my intention.”
And he then suggested that the controversial rap was not his only regret from this year.
‘Learnt a lot this year. Hurt a lot this year. F**ked up a lot this year. Loved a lot this year. Lost a lot this year. Roll on 2014. #LOVE’
The singer is currently promoting his new single Recovery.
Today James Arthur officially quit Twitter saying that his HQ would now take care of his social media, after an explosive public feud with Frankie Boyle.
Sounds like a good idea.
What do you think, is James Arthur’s apology enough?
