Country star Blake Shelton rapped for ‘anti-gay’ tweet

PinkNews logo surrounded by illustrated images including a rainbow, unicorn, PN sign and pride flag.

Country star Blake Shelton has been criticised by a gay group for a Twitter post he made.

In a twist on the lyrics of Shania Twain’s song ‘Any Man of Mine’, he tweeted on Wednesday: “Any man that tries touching my behind, he’s gonna be a beaten, bleedin,’ heaving kind of guy.”

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation was quick to respond, telling the singer: “No, @BlakeShelton – violent, anti-gay statements are not what a woman wants.”

Shelton replied today: “Hey y’all allow me to seriously apologize for the misunderstanding with the whole re-write on the Shania song last night…it honestly wasn’t even meant that way. I now know that their [sic] are people out there waiting to jump at everything I say on here or anywhere. But when it comes to gay/lesbian rights or just feelings… I love everybody. So go look for a real villain and leave me out of it!!!”

He added: “Anti-gay and lesbian violence is unacceptable!!!!!”

Lesbian country star Chely Wright commended Shelton for the apology. She tweeted: “I know @BlakeShelton wouldn’t want anyone to think that he was suggesting that ant-gay [sic] violence is okay. Blake made it clear that he is lgbt supportive.”