Eminem was reportedly banned from performing a show because of “offensive” and “unsuitable” lyrics.
The 41-year-old, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, was in talks to headline this year’s British Summer Time Hyde Park festival in London; however, organisers didn’t feel he was an appropriate choice.
London Mayor Boris Johnson was asked to overturn the decision, his office ruled that is was the Royal Parks decision, according to the British newspaper The Mirror.
“This artist flagged risks across the board. In particular in respect of our public reputation,” Royal Parks CEO Linda Lennon said in an email obtained by The Mirror.
“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.”
Performers confirmed for the London event include Black Sabbath, McBusted, Sir Tom Jones and The Libertines.
“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,” Eminem told The Mirror in May. “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.”
The rapper’s latest album The Marshall Mathers LP 2, which is his eighth studio record, was released last year.
Earlier this month, it was announced Eminem was the first artist in digital history to receive two digital diamond certifications (sales and streams of ten million and above) by the Recording Industry Association of America for his hits Not Afraid and Love the Way You Lie with Rihanna.
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