MIAMI - Grammy-winning dancehall reggae star Beenie Man won't perform at a concert associated with the MTV Video Music Awards this weekend after gay groups planned a protest over his lyrics, the network said Wednesday.
By John PainMTV pulled the Jamaican from the roster Tuesday after South Florida gay activists announced plans to protest Saturday's concert in Miami over some of his lyrics, including "I'm dreaming of a new Jamaica, come to execute all the gays" and "Queers must be killed."
"We don't want anything to overshadow what will be a great weekend of music events for South Floridians," MTV spokeswoman Marnie Black said Wednesday. She declined further comment.
The awards show is Sunday at the bayfront AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, the first time in the glam-filled event's 21-year history that it will take place outside New York and Los Angeles.
Beenie Man's manager, Clyde McKenzie, said "in many instances the lyrics of dancehall artists are metaphorical."
"He has made it clear that he doesn't want to incite violence," he said.
He said he understood MTV's actions.
"If their organization is being pressured they may not want anything to be distracting from their event," he said.
Heddy Pena, executive director of the Miami-based gay-rights group SAVE Dade, said "We respectfully suggest that he use other metaphors." Her group had been organizing the protest.
"It's disappointing to see artists use their talents as a tool for hatred and bigotry," she said.
Beenie Man told The Miami Herald on Sunday that "I just smile, because I don't know what they're fussing about."
"I'm not here to cuss people. I make music. But at the same time I just want to teach people - my sons and my daughters - the right way of life," he said. Beenie Man was not available for comment Wednesday, his publicist said.
Beenie Man, born Anthony Moses Davis, is on a world tour promoting his new album, "Back to Basics." His songs include "Dude," "Girls Dem Sugar" and "Who Am I?" His album "Art and Life" won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2001.
Several concerts on his tour this year were canceled following uproar from gay groups about his lyrics. He ends the tour in Miami on Nov. 8.
