Revealed: The real reason Eminem was banned from Hyde Park gig

New documents show the rapper was vetoed over "offensive" and "unsuitable" lyrics

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He previously sarcastically thanked Royal Parks

Hyde Park bosses banned Eminem from performing a summer festival because of his “offensive” and “unsuitable” lyrics, new documents reveal.

London Mayor Boris Johnson was even asked to overturn the decision but his office admitted they had no idea who the rapper was.

The revelations are contained in a series of emails and letters following a Freedom of Information request by the Mirror.

Promoters AEG are thought to have agreed terms with the rapper to play the British Summer Time festival this month.

But Royal Parks, who run Hyde Park, vetoed the decision saying his performance could upset other park users.

Royal Parks CEO Linda Lennon said in an email: “This artist flagged risks across the board. In particular in respect of our public reputation.”

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Banned

 

She added: “The nature of any act with potential for lyrics to be deemed offensive and/or unsuitable language being audible within the park as a whole, let alone the surrounding residential areas, is unacceptable.”

The decision was referred to Boris Johnson but his chief of staff Sir Edward Lister said: “Until receipt of both emails I had no knowledge of Eminem and his style of music and still do not.”

They ruled it was the Royal Parks call to make.

AEG’s Jim King had earlier pleaded: “I don’t want to split hairs but I do question how easy it is for any offensive lyrics to be heard and actually understood outside of our event site.”

He added he was not “aware of any other case whereby he has been prevented from performing in the UK.”

PA

Boris' office didn't know who rapper was

 

King conceded while there would be some “industrial language ...only a very small amount of his repertoire has been deemed by some commentators to be controversial. Claims of homophobia are consistently denied.”

Other artists to play include Black Sabbath, the Libertines, Tom Jones, and McBusted. Arcade Fire opens the festival on July 3.

Eminem, 41, will play sold-out concerts at Wembley Stadium on July 11 and 12.

Speaking last month, Eminem said: “I heard that I wasn’t going to be approved to play in Hyde Park and it made me even more excited to play in London this summer. The easiest way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it. Thanks to the Royal Parks for making it all possible... for Wembley.”