James Arthur Quits Twitter After Diss Track Sparks Controversy
Comedians Frankie Boyle and Matt Lucas criticise James
James Arthur has quit Twitter after a controversial ‘diss track’ he created caused uproar over the weekend.
The 2012 X Factor winner has now left the control of his Twitter page with his management, telling his 2million followers: "#LOVE to my fans but I'm coming off twitter. HQ will be doing all my tweets from now on. PEACE!"
The decision comes after comedians including Matt Lucas and Frankie Boyle slammed Arthur for using the word “queer” in a diss track he posted online aimed at MC Micky Worthless.
Croydon based Worthless had previously unleashed a track called ‘Stay In Your Lane, James!’ critiquing Arthur.
In a thinly veiled Tweet apparently aimed at Arthur, Frankie Boyle wrote: "I'm enjoying a spirited morning of blocking homophobes."
Little Britain star Lucas, wrote: "F* you @JamesArthur23 for using the phrase 'f**** queer' in your latest track."
After removing the song, James apologised directly to the Little Britain comedian who he claimed he has “always admired”.
Lucas wrote in reposnse: "Thanks, James. I look forward to your new stuff. Respect to you for responding and taking it down. Let's move on."
Denying he is in any way homophobic, shortly before quitting Twitter James wrote: "I just have to say I'm extremely disappointed in myself for being so naive with the diss track I made for an unknown rapper recently.
"Some of the things said in this rap can be mistaken for homophobic slurs and I assure you homophobia is something I do not believe in.
"I would just like to make it completely clear that it was not meant in anyway as a reference to homosexuality.
"I realise where the term has come from in meaning ... but used in the context of the rap battles I have grown up with it has come to mean something completely different...
"That said, I understand why it could cause offence and that definitely wasn't my intention. Deeply deeply sorry to any gay or lesbian people out there."
Shortly before signing out, he wrote: "Learnt a lot this year. Hurt a lot this year... Loved a lot this year. Lost a lot this year. Roll on 2014."