A Jamaican dancehall artist accused of homophobia has been yanked from the lineup of the human rights gig "Reggae in the Park" next month after protests from the gay community.
By Alison SoltauThe artist, whose real name is Clifton George Bailey III, has caused a storm in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe for alleged gay-hating lyrics.
Gay groups points to songs such as Bun Di Chi Chi, which activists say translates from Jamaican slang to mean "burn the queer" and features other lyrics advocating violence against gays. In his defense, Capleton has said the burning reference was not physical and referred to a spiritual cleansing.
He issued an apology to the gay community ahead of his San Francisco performance, but failed to gain a green light from local gay rights groups such as Community United Against Violence.
"I do not advocate violence or abuse against anyone, nor do I support prejudice, bigotry or discrimination based upon ... sexual preference. It bothers me deeply to hear that some of my past lyrics, which I no longer perform in concert, have been interpreted as offensive to gay and lesbian communities," read the apology.
CUAV described the apology as "weak."
"I absolutely believe people have the right to free speech, but people should be held accountable, not just artists, but promoters, record labels, to say we prefer to hear and put our money towards other people," said Tina D'Elia of CUAV.
Reggae in the Park promoter Michael Levine said Friday that Capleton was replaced because of "the climate right now in San Francisco."
