James Arthurhas apologised for making a homophobic slur in a rap he posted on the internet.
The winner of last year's The X Factor had issued a response to an underground rapper called Micky Worthless, who had attacked him in a track posted on music-sharing site Soundcloud.

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..

— James Arthur (@JamesArthur23) November 16, 2013

Writing on Twitter this afternoon, J-Arth said: "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 have many many gay friends. In rap feuds/rap disses the words I used have a different intent. This is a straight man I was attacking
"A straight man who littered his track with severe homophobic slurs towards me.. Like I said though it was a rap diss ..
"And in no way a reflection of my true character.. I've heard I've offended Matt Lucas who's work I have always admired and that is a blow.
"Deeply deeply sorry to any gay or lesbian people out there.
"Plus Rylan is one of my best mates and he is as gay as they come! #LOVE"
He then retweeted some responses from his followers on the site before explaining himself further.
"Any offence I have caused by using the term 'queer' in my rap battle with MC Worthless... 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."
And he then suggested that the controversial rap was not his only regret from this year.
"Learnt a lot this year. Hurt a lot this year. F**ked up a lot this year. Loved a lot this year. Lost a lot this year. Roll on 2014. #LOVE"

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