BEENIE MAN - NEW YORK REGGAE CONCERT CANCELLED AFTER GAY PROTESTS

NEW YORK REGGAE CONCERT CANCELLED AFTER GAY PROTESTS

The organisers of a proposed HIV/AIDS awareness concert in New York City have scrapped the show following protests from outraged gay groups, who discovered Jamaican artists BEENIE MAN and TOK had signed up to appear. Promoters LIFEbeat were hit with a barrage of criticism at their inclusion of the reggae singer and band, because they are widely accused of being anti-gay due to their homophobic lyrics. A spokesperson says, "The possibility of violence at the concert from the firestorm incited by a select group of activists makes cancelling the event the only responsible action. "It is very unfortunate, however, that the intended good that could result from bringing this community together around this potentially groundbreaking event will not be realised." Beenie Man calls for all lesbians to be hanged on one of his tracks, while TOK call for gay men to be burned alive. Beenie Man hits back, saying, "AIDS is an epidemic that doesn't discriminate. It's not a gay or a straight thing, it is a fight for life." A concert performed by fellow Jamaican star BUJU BANTON in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday (11JUL06) night was marred by protests staged by gay activists.