Stunned members of the gay community took to Twitter to complain about the lack of ‘sincerity’ of James Arthur’s apology for his recent homophobic slur.
Hundreds of people took to Twitter during James Arthur’s attempt at rehabilitation of his career and the launch of his new single Recovery after a shocking couple of weeks.
Enraged users of the micro-blogging site vented their anger as Arthur mumbled his way through his interview with X Factor host Dermot O’Leary.
Arthur who won last year’s X Factor was hauled over the coals two weeks ago, when a recorded rap appeared online, in which he called an underground rapper Mickey Worthless a “f**king queer”
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.
In a further twist, fellow contestant Lucy Spraggan then published a number of texts sent from Arthur, in which he blasted her for speaking out against him.
The embattled singer told O’Leary:
‘You know it’s been an amazing year for me. Some incredible highs and some terrible lows. I’ve made a few silly mistakes, but I want to say thank you to everyone who’s supported me.
‘Above all I want to say sorry for abusing my position as an X Factor winner.’
Users of Twitter and Facebook were not impressed with many calling into question the sincerity of the apology.
Facebook user Robb Patrick said:
‘He was sorry to the show NOT sorry for the use of offensive language said in anger and spite!
What a wastes [sic] opportunity James!!’
and Steven Smyth wrote:
‘I feel sick he was aloud (sic) on a complaint is going into itv’
Despite the singer’s prime-time performance of his new single Recovery on ITV’s flagship show, the single has failed to enter the top 10 on the iTunes’ singles chart, and his debut album James Arthur has fallen 10 places to number 18 in the UK Official Album Chart.
