Pink Paper online 20 Aug 2004

Reggae star Beenie Man has been dropped from a US tour after sponsors took offence at his homophobic lyrics.

The 14 city tour, called Stir The Senses, is sponsored by RJ Reynolds Tobacco.

A spokesman for the organisation said, “RJ Reynolds Tobacco does not tolerate this or any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation.”

Beenie Man is hoping to crack the US market with a new album. The reggae artists lyrics include “I’m dreaming of a new Jamaica, come to execute all the gays”.

A spokesman for UK group Outrage, which has launched a campaign against anti-gay artists, said: “By hitting him in the pocket it will help Beenie Man and other anti-gay Jamaican singers to abandon their murderous incitement.”