ELTON JOHN has been slammed by a US gay and lesbian rights group as advocating attacks on the gay and lesbian community and “promoting homophobia” by agreeing to a duet with EMINEM at the GRAMMY AWARDS.
The Gay And Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation criticised John in a statement saying: “[His] decision to perform with Eminem sends a message of endorsement for the hip hopper’s defamatory lyrics which advocate attacks on the gay and lesbian community,” the Allstar website reports.
“Please let either the artist [John] or the promoter know your opinions. Remind them of their responsibility for the continued promotion of homophobia in the name of artistic licence, television ratings, or misguided publicity. GLAAD is asking the public to contact John through his publicists, Rogers & Cowan, to express their concern.”
As previously reported on NME.COM, the group had already voiced its dismay at the decision by John to duet on ‘Stan’, but the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) Chief Executive Michael Greene said: “We view this moment not only as musically significant, but also as an opportunity to help tear down some of the unfortunate walls of division that Eminem’s lyrics have built.”
Gay and lesbian protest groups are expected to turn out in force when the pair team up at the Awards, at the Los Angeles Staples Center on February 21.