Gay rights groups stepped up their campaign against dance hall artists who include homophobic lyrics in their songs yesterday by calling on London based major EMI to cancel its contract with Beenie Man.
Beenie Man is one of the highest profile dance hall performers who, campaigners say, has incited violence against the gay community in past tracks. Gay rights group OutRage were dismissive of Beenie's recent statement in which he tried to satisfy critics by saying he did not approve of violence against any people.
Campaigners say the statement was a cynical attempt to put to an end their protests, and that he failed to actually address his homophobia.
OutRage have now written to EMI chief executive Tony Wadsworth demanding they end their relationship with the performer, who is signed to their Virgin division. In the letter OutRage's Peter Tatchell and Brett Lock write: "Beenie Man does more than express his disapproval of homosexuality. He calls for all homosexuals to be killed and incites his listeners to go out and murder gays and lesbians. This goes way beyond an acceptable expression of opinion. Lesbian and gay people have a right to live their lives free from threats to 'execute' them."
EMI is yet to respond to the letter.