Eminem has defended gay marriage and said that everyone should have the opportunity to be “equally miserable”.

The rapper has been criticised in the past for displaying a seemingly anti-gay stance in his lyrics.

In 2000, the song 'Criminal', which featured on 'The Marshall Mathers LP', included the line: “Hate fags? The answer's 'yes'.”

However, in a new interview with New York Times Magazine, due to be published on Sunday (June 20), Eminem claimed he had matured as he has grown older.

"I think I've calmed down a bit," he said. "My overall look on things is a lot more mature than it used to be."

When asked about gay marriage, Eminem replied:  "Everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable.”

He added: "I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable, if they want."

According to the Guardian, Eminem also discussed his problems with drugs and his acrimonious relationship with his mother in the interview.