GLAAD calls VMA winner Tyler, The Creator ‘violently anti-gay’

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The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has condemned MTV for giving a VMA award to a singer it says is “violently anti-gay”.

Tyler, The Creator, whose real name is Tyler Okonma, won the best new artist award at Monday night’s ceremony.

GLAAD has attacked him in the past for using slurs such as “faggot” in lyrics, as well as references to rape and domestic violence.

The gay rights group said in a statement that the star and his band Odd Future write “some of the most violently anti-gay and misogynistic music currently enjoying mainstream recognition”.

GLAAD, which said that Tyler’s use of anti-gay slurs was routine, rather than occasional, also hit out at music critics and media who defend the singer.

Herndon Graddick, senior director of programmes at GLAAD, said: “Rather than providing simply a larger platform, MTV and other networks should educate viewers about why anti-gay and misogynistic language has no place in the music industry today.

“Given Tyler’s history of such remarks, viewers and potential sponsors should refrain from honoring homophobia and in the future look to a more deserving artist.”

Speaking to NME in June, Tyler said: “Well I have gay fans and they don’t really take it offensive, so I don’t know. If it offends you, it offends you.”

He added: “If you call me a nigga, I really don’t care, but that’s just me, personally. Some people might take it the other way, I personally don’t give a shit.”

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