Liberty X's Michelle Heaton has denied making homophobic remarks after her band were kicked off the bill for next month's Gay Pride gig in London.
The band were axed because of opposition in the gay community to a column written by Heaton for HOT magazine about the recent gay storyline in Coronation Street. Heaton seemed to say that she thought the gay kiss included in the soap should have been shown after the 9pm watershed - implying, of course, such a scene is far too shocking to be screened in prime time.
Talking to the Sun about being axed from the Pride bill because of her column, Heaton said last week: "I am really upset by the reaction. I have loads of gay friends and am in no way homophobic. I was taken out of context and can't believe how it has all backfired. What I meant to say was that homosexuality shouldn't be exploited or sensationalised. We play at loads of gay charities and have a huge gay fan base. Anyone who knows me knows that I am in no way homophobic. This is a stupid thing that has spiralled out of control and I'm really sorry if any offence has been caused."