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by Gaby Whitehill | Photos by Splash

Tags: Eminem

Eminem banned from playing in Hyde Park due to 'offensive' lyrics

Rapper says decision was 'mean'

 

Eminem banned from playing in Hyde Park due to 'offensive' lyrics

Photo: Splash

Eminem was banned from playing at the British Summer Time concerts in Hyde Park due to his "offensive" and "unsuitable" lyrics.

The rapper will play two dates next month at London's Wembley Stadium, but originally wanted to play a show at Hyde Park. His request was refused by mayor Boris Johnson's staff, who admitted they didn't know who the rapper is. 

The news comes after new documents featuring letters and emails both parties surfaced after a Freedom of Information request by The Daily Mirror. Royal Parks gave the first "no" to Eminem, who said the rapper may "upset" other park attendees.

The situation was then handed over to Boris Johnson's staff, who also said a big fat "nah". Chief of Staff Edward Lister has said: "Until receipt of both emails I had no knowledge of Eminem and his style of music and still do not." There's this little thing called the internet, y'know, Edward.

Watch the video for Eminem's 'Headlights' below:

In the end, Royal Parks made the final decision to ban Eminem from one of London's largest parks. In one email, Royal Parks CEO Linda Lennon wrote: "This artist flagged risks across the board. In particular in respect of our public reputation.

"The nature of any act with potential for lyrics to be deemed offensive and/or unsuitable language being audible within the park as a whole, let alone the surrounding residential areas, is unacceptable."

Meanwhile, the whole incident upset poor old Em, who admitted to feeling a bit hurt by the refusal. "That's mean, man. It kinda hurt my feelings," the rapper said. "The easiest way to get me to do something is to tell me I can't do it. Thanks to the Royal Parks for making it all possible...for Wembley."

Eminem will play Wembley Stadium on July 11 and 12, supported by Odd Future and Danny Brown. For more information, visit Gigwise Tickets.

Below - Five things we want to see from Eminem's Wembley Stadium shows:

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