The singer was hit with a barrage of Internet criticism after reportedly telling the audience at a show in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday (18Aug15) that one of the band's songs "is about trying to find that number one woman in your life, which none of you can relate to, because most of you are girls. Except for the boys in here, you know what I'm talking about."

Payne has now blasted the accusations in a lengthy message posted on Twitter.com.

He writes, "(I) think some people take things to (too) literal these days (I am) not gunna (going to) comment on it anymore. You guys know what I meant, it was meant in general... I am in no way shape or form homophobic that's a ridicules (sic) thing to say and I'm not here to offend people so take it as you will... So annoying trying your hardest to make people happy in a show and you think about all the notes u (you) tried to hit higher or a little sweeter... And all some people want to concentrate on was a throw away statement about a song that I love...

"This is so insane, the more (comments) I read I'm like wtf (what the f**k) have u (you) ever said something in the wrong way? I'm sure every person here has... I'm sorry to those I offended really I am but there's no need for some of the things I'm being called... I'm just here to make people smile I kinda (sic) consider it my job role."