Rapper T.I. defends Tracy Morgan routine, says those who complain are “not American”
In an interview with the American Vibe magazine after being released from prison, T.I. says gays had over-reacted to Morgan’s joke about killing his son if he came out.
He also claims organisations and individuals who want to silence opinions like Morgan’s are opposing free speech.
In June, Morgan shocked an audience in Nashville when he said that if his son was gay, he would “stab that little nigger to death”.
In its December issue, the rapper tells the US magazine: “Man, I will say this, the funniest joke I ever heard Tracy say during a stand-up was, ‘C’mon man, I think gay people are too sensitive. If you can take a d***, you can take a joke’.
“That s*** was funny to me. And it’s kind of true.”
He continues, saying gays who seek to stop comments like Morgan’s being made are opposing free speech.
He says: “They’re like, ‘If you have an opinion against us, we’re gonna shut you down.’
“That’s not American. If you’re gay you should have the right to be gay in peace, and if you’re against it you should have the right to be against it in peace.”
Alvin McEwen of LGBTQ Nation said: “T.I.’s claim that he believes ‘gays should live in peace’ is weak in light of the fact that he thinks it’s hilarious to make fun of a real problem which in fact does prevent gays from living in peace.
“Gay children are often threatened with violence in their homes.”
The musician has been incarcerated for weapons and drug offences in the past, and was released from an 11-month sentence for violating probation on 29 September.
