Beenie Man apologizes for hurtful lyrics

LONDON, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Jamaican reggae artist Beenie Man, known for lyrics inciting violence against gays and women, apologized for his music, saying he meant no harm.

Beenie Man, whose real name is Anthony Moses Davis, issued the apology in a statement Tuesday through his record company, Virgin Records, Britain's Guardian reported Wednesday.

"It has come to my attention that certain lyrics and recordings I have made in the past may have caused distress and outrage among people whose identities and lifestyles are different from my own," the statement said.

"While my lyrics are very personal, I do not write them with the intent of purposefully hurting or maligning others, and I offer my sincerest apologies to those who might have been offended, threatened or hurt by my songs," he said.

Critics, especially the British gay rights group OutRage, have worked to have Beenie Man's concerts canceled throughout Britain and Europe because of the hate music.

Peter Tatchell of OutRage rejected the artist's apology, saying the words were damage control for the musician's upcoming British promotional tour for his new album, due out Aug. 16.