Controversy
Eminem was involved in many controversies over lyrics which have been perceived as being homophobic; an Australian politician attempted to ban entry for Eminem because of these lyrics. Eminem, however, denies that he is homophobic and defends that during his upbringing such obscene words as faggot and queer were commonly spoken as being derogatory in general and not implicitly singled towards homosexuals. During an interview with CBS 60 Minutes program, gay journalist Anderson Cooper had a conversation about the issue with Eminem:
- Cooper: Some of the lyrics, like, you know, in the song "Criminal" you say "My words are like a dagger with a jagged edge, That'll stab you in the head, whether you're a fag or lez, Or the homosex, hermaph or a trans-a-vest, Pants or dress - hate fags? The answer's "yes""
- Eminem: Yeah, this scene I came up in. That word was thrown around so much, you know, faggot was like thrown around constantly to each other, like in battling.
- Cooper: Do you not like gay people?
- Eminem: No, I don't have any problem with nobody. You know what I mean? I'm just like whatever.
Eminem is a friend of gay singer Elton John, and supports gay rights. When asked in an interview with the New York Times about the subject of same-sex marriage being legalized in his home state of Michigan, Eminem responded, "I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable, if they want", explaining that his "overall look on things is a lot more mature than it used to be."
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