Eminem Agrees To Censor Anti-Gay Lyrics

Posted: Sunday - December 27, 2009 |

Detroit rapper Eminem is preparing to perform at the 2010 Wireless Festival in the United Kingdom during the summer. He has agreed to censor his anti-gay lyrics for the concert to avoid protest.

Organizers feared that people in gay rights groups such as OutRage! might protest while Eminem was performing. The group once protested against music artists such as Buju Banton and Beenie Man due to their harmful lyrics against gays.

According to spokesman David Allison, Eminem agreed to perform as long as there wouldn't be any protests or any interruptions during his performance.

"This is a huge signing for Wireless and it will be the hottest ticket this summer. The organizers were afraid campaigners could potentially ruin the event. So there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing and Eminem only agreed to sign up when assurances had been made that there would not be any protests. It was very touch-and-go but he has finally agreed to appear. Any kind of demonstration against him could have been disastrous. He will be bringing a huge entourage of security with him but there is still the risk that protesters may picket the hotel he stays in."

According to United Kingdom's Evening Standard, the gay rights group OutRage! agreed not to protest during Eminem's performance as long as there aren't any offensive lyrics directed towards the gay community.

The 2010 Wireless Festival will take place in July at the London Hyde Park with other acts beside Eminem such as Pink and The Ting Tings.

- By Lakreshia McKenzie