Chris Brown denies gay pride snub
Controversial rapper and hip-hop star Chris Brown has denied claims that he refused to appear at a lesbian Pride party in Atlanta because gay men were present.
Melissa Scott, party promoter and founder of Traxx Girls, told Georgia Voice that Brown had agreed to introduce R&B singer Teyana Taylor at the lesbian event on Saturday, as part of the Atlanta Black Gay Pride Weekend.
She claimed that Brown refused to enter the building, despite having been paid an appearance fee, after he learned that there were a handful of gay men amongst the 4,000-strong female crowd.
“I think it’s unfortunate for mainstream artists to take people’s money with the complete prior knowledge of knowing what the event is and being very clear about what the event is about,” said Scott.
“I’m completely baffled. You know it’s gay pride. You knew you agreed when you sent the contract in and took the money.”
Brown has since responded on Twitter that he was wasn’t “aware” or “informed” of the show. “I have nothing but love and respect for the LGBT COMMUNITY,” he said.
The 26-year-old star went on to add: “The show was never confirmed by any of my people. So I apologize if the fans wanted me there.
“I honestly wasn’t booked for the show. Hopefully in the future we can do it right. Much love LGBT,” he said.
In June and July 2011, Brown was slammed for using the words “gay” and “faggot” to insult people; first when getting a parking ticket and then while watching a basketball game. He later apologised.
In October 2013, he expressed his support for gay Africans by backing a petition calling for an end to anti-gay attacks in Cameroon, tweeting: “Love is not a crime. Gay or straight. Love who u wanna love.”
Brown was convicted for assaulting singer and then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009.
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