Iggy Azalea cancels gay Pride performance over homophobia claims

Hip-hop star Iggy Azalea has dropped out of an LGBT Pride concert in Pittsburgh after she was accused of homophobia.

Azalea was recently announced as the headline performer for Saturday’s Pride in the Street fundraiser by the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh, one of the area’s leading LGBT groups.

The foundation was quickly criticised and threatened with boycotts by other activists for booking the rapper over accusations that she’d made homophobic comments on social media.

This included tweeting in 2010: “When guys whisper in each others ears I always think its kinda homo”, and “Wondered why my butt felt like it was about to grow legs, flip me off & walk away. then I remembered i played soccer yestrdy w 5 dyke bitches”.

On Monday, the Australian-born star, who’s also been slated for “appropriating” African-American culture, announced that she was disappointed that she’d no longer perform at the concert, explaining that her participation “would only serve to further distract from the true purpose of the event.”

Azalea said in statement: “I am a firm believer in equality. Unfortunately in the past as a young person, I used words I should not have. The last thing I want is for something so carelessly said to be interpreted as reflective of my character.

“I meant no harm and deeply regret ever uttering those words. As an adult I would never use them because I understand they play a detrimental role in the fight for issues that I do truly believe in. I am sorry to anyone I have offended or disappointed & I wish all my fans and friends participating in Pride the best of luck.”

The foundation’s board added: “We’re sorry that our headliner choice caused a division within our community but we believe that change happens through conversation. We are meeting with key LGBT leaders to start a discussion that will make our collective community even stronger.”