June 18, 2010 10:29

Eminem 'defends' gay marriage

'Everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable,' says rapper

Photo Gallery: Eminem

Eminem has spoken out in favour of gay marriage, declaring that "everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable".

The rapper has a long history of provoking gay rights groups with homophobic lyrics, which he later claimed were satirical.

In the face of protests, he recently promised to leave the offending rhymes out of his forthcoming UK shows. Now, according to The Guardian, he has voiced his approval of same sex unions, if not of marriage itself.

He said: "I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable."

In the interview, to be published on Sunday (June 20) in the New York Times, he also explains his new outlook.

He admitted: "I think I've calmed down a bit. My overall look on things is a lot more mature than it used to be."

Eminem's new album 'Recovery' is released next week (June 21).