Beenie's lyrical struggle

NEW YORK (Beenie Man Fans Website) - Beenie Man's lyrics could have him facing charges in the UK. Even though he issued a formal apology for his anti-gay lyrics earlier this month, the reggae star could face criminal prosecution in Britain for allegedly promoting violence against homosexuals. Officials are scheduled to meet later today to decide whether formal charges should be pressed.

In a letter to EMI chief Tony Wadsworth, the group said the Beenie Man was "profiteering from his murder music" and that his lyrics encourage listeners to "shoot" and "hang" gay people. "Beenie Man does more than express his disapproval of homosexuality," wrote Peter Tatchell and Brett Lock of OutRage!
"He calls for homosexuals to be killed and incites his listeners to go out and murder gays and lesbians. This goes way beyond an acceptable expression of opinion. Lesbian and gay people have a right to live their lives free from threats to 'execute' them."
OutRage! said that if EMI would not drop the singer, then the company should broadcast a video apology from Beenie Man, buy up the rights to or remaining copies of the offensive songs in question, or donate royalties on his work to charity.