Marshall Bruce Mathers III, better
known by his stage name Eminem, says he supports the legalization of
gay marriage.
Critics of the 37-year-old rapper have
called his lyrics homophobic.
In 2001, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance
Against Defamation (GLAAD), one of the nation's largest advocates for
gay rights, protested against Eminem's anti-gay lyrics outside the
Staples Center where he was performing with openly gay singer Elton
John.
On Monday, the rapper drops his new
album Recovery.
In discussing accusations of writing
gay-bashing lyrics in the past with the New
York Times, Eminem said the album is a reflection of
“the new tolerant me.” And goes on to say he believes gay
marriage should be legal.
“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,” he says.
But Recovery is not free from
controversy. In the song Elevator, he refers to three openly
gay entertainers – Lance Bass, Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken – with
this line: “Sorry, Lance, Mr. Lambert and Aiken ain't gonna make
it. They get so upset when I call then both fake it's.”
“Fake it's” in the song sounds more
like fagots, but Eminem has remained mum on what he meant.