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X Factor winner James Arthur spoke for the first time about his recent homophobia controversy during an appearance on The X Factor, but despite saying sorry for making some 'silly mistakes', many people feel his apologies fall short of making up for his actions.
Arthur recently caused outrage when he released a rap track, in which he referred to another rapper as a 'fucking queer', later claiming the expression came from his professional upbringing performing in rap battles. His use of the term caused outrage across the UK, and he appeared on The X Factor this weekend and made an apology for the incident - but failed to address the homophobic aspects of his recent drama.
"It's been an amazing year for me, incredible highs paired with incredible lows. I've made some very silly mistakes but I just want to thank everyone who stuck by me through this difficult time," he said on the show. "Above all, I just want to say sorry for abusing my position as an X Factor winner because I owe this show everything."
However, many viewers considered his trangressions to be more than a 'silly mistake', taking to Twitter to voice their outrage over what they saw as avoiding the issues involved.
"James Arthur, homophobia is something slightly more than a "silly mistake". Shame on you. #XFactor #xfactoruk" wrote one unsatisfied viewer.
Another added: "An apology which describes homophobia as a "silly mistake" isn't an apology at all @JamesArthur23 #xfactor"
"James Arthur, that was a weird apology missing a particular word - that word is 'homophobia'. #xfactor," said another, again in reference to the fact that Arthur failed to shed any light on why his actions needed any apology.
Another took aim at the show's approach to the issue, writing: "Looking forward to Dermot's chat with James Arthur tonight. I imagine he'll refer to his bullying and homophobia as being "in the papers."
Another noted that Arthur, who wore a red ribbon in support of World Aids Day on the show, had 'no business' supporting the global event, writing: "Anyone who utters homophobic epithets has no business wearing a red ribbon. Homophobia has fuelled and abetted the HIV pandemic for 30 yrs."
Others praised Arthur's bravery for appearing on the show, with fans taking to Twitter to support the 'Impossible' singer.
"It takes serious bollocks to apologise like that. Kudos to @JamesArthur23 He clearly never meant to offend anyone and he was very brave," wrote one supporter.
"He's so brave & has the finest heart! That took courage!! Talk about grace under pressure! #LOVE" added another.
