Arthur wants Stonewall partnership to ‘right anti-gay wrong’
By Sam Rigby
James Arthur has said he wants to team up with Stonewall to “right” the “wrong” he committed last year when he used the term “f**king queer” in a Twitter argument with underground rapper Micky Worthless.
The 2012 X Factor winner drew widespread criticism for using the anti-gay slur – with Matt Lucas, Frankie Boyle and his fellow X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan all calling him out publicly on Twitter.
Now Arthur, 26, has revealed in a tweet posted yesterday (June 27) that he wants to make a “long term commitment” to the LGB charity to make amends.
I would like to make a long term commitment to @stonewalluk they’d have me. I admire the work they do. Maybe I can right my wrong with this.
— James Arthur (@JamesArthur23) July 27, 2014
In his next tweet, the singer conceded that Stonewall may not accept his offer with open arms, adding: “IF* they’d have me.” Arthur then proceeded to outline his credentials as a potential asset to Stonewall by showing an awareness of the LGBT rights situation across the world.
It is so wrong that it’s ILLEGAL to be gay in 42 of the 53 commonwealth countries! — James Arthur (@JamesArthur23) July 27, 2014
Arthur was dropped from Simon Cowell’s Syco label in June following his controversial behaviour. Over the weekend, the singer also told fans that he may go simply by the name of “Arthur” when he next releases music in a bid to make a fresh start.
Related stories:
> Alan Carr: ‘Most homophobia I get is from gays’
> ITV launches anti-bullying campaign with Stonewall