X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger defends James Arthur following homophobia controversy
X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger has come to the defence of James Arthur after he was embroiled in controversy surrounding the use of homophobic slurs in a rap diss.
X Factor winner Arthur late last month left Twitter following criticism for using homophobic language against another artist in a “rap feud”. He handed over control of his Twitter account to managers.
In Arthur’s rap at Micky Worthless, he said: “You f***ing queer. Hilarious, precarious you Talibani confused, imbellic mimic of a gimmick.” He was criticised by comedians Matt Lucas and Frankie Boyle for the lyrics.
“I’m just there for him,” the former Pussycat Doll said, “I don’t read the press, I know who he is as a person, I know his heart. “I’m just there to support him.”
Scherzinger acted as Arthur’s mentor during his time on the X Factor, and said she did not take the time to read criticisms of him.
“He’s unbelievably talented and he’s worked so hard on his album. In the end I know that the cream will always rise to the top.”
Arthur also found himself amid a new Twitter drama, as fellow X Factor contestant Spraggan last week tweeted a text conversation between the two containing a heated disagreement over his use of the word “queer”. She later clarified to say she did not think he was a homophobe.
Previously it emerged that a petition to have Arthur removed from a performance on the X Factor this Sunday, which has now gathered over 11,000 signatures.
The page administrators clarified their position, saying: “Just to remind everyone, WE ARE NOT A HATE PAGE. We are simply campaigning to get someone dropped by X Factor who has a history of hate speech and derogatory language.
“We do not feel James Arthur deserves a place on TV following his homophobia in his music and on social media.”
