Prince denies anti-gay-rights remarks; New Yorker stands by story!
The singer Prince was asked about religion, politics, abortion and Proposition 8 in a profile in the New Yorker.
Here's his response: "You've got the Republicans, and basically they want to live according to [the Bible]. But there's the problem of interpretation, and you've got some churches, some people, basically doing things and saying it comes from here, but it doesn't. And then on the opposite end of the spectrum you've got blue, you've got the Democrats, and they're, like, 'You can do whatever you want.' Gay marriage, whatever. But neither of them is right."
Asked about his perspective on social issues--gay marriage, abortion--Prince tapped his Bible and said, "God came to earth and saw people sticking it wherever and doing it with whatever, and he just cleared it all out. He was, like, 'Enough.' "
Hold on. The miniature singer who used to perform in bikini briefs, leg warmers and platform boots said what?
This is the effeminate musician who played the androgyny card big time with his wild, sexy costumes and provocative lyrics to create album-selling controversy?
The guy whose music was so darn dirty that it inspired Tipper Gore to slap parental advisory stickers on music deemed not suitable for minors?
He's now against gays having equal rights?
Wow. Talk about alienating your base.
According to Perez Hilton, the New Yorker piece is dead wrong. He quotes a source close to Prince as saying that the New Yorker piece is "grossly misquoted" and all wrong. Something about the reporter not using a tape recorder? Read Prince's defense here.
But the New Yorker stands by its story.
Prince's anti-gay statement is already reverberating around Los Angeles' gay community. At Train, a popular West Hollywood gym, openly gay spin instructor Tevia Celli told her packed Sunday morning class that she had removed all Prince songs from her playlists.
What do you think? Is Prince, now a converted Jehovah's Witness, totally off base? Will you continue to buy and listen to his music? Or do you agree with him?
Photo credit: Peter Kramer / Getty Images
Keep reading to see the provocative lyrics from Prince's song "Controversy." Hmmmm.
I just can't believe
All the things people say
Controversy
Am I black or white?
Am I straight or gay?
Controversy
People call me rude
I wish we were all nude
I wish there was no black and white
I wish there were no rules
Lyrics from "Controversy."
No more Prince for me. I'm totally cool with him not approving of gays, but do not expect me to support him either. There is no way to explain oneself out of those comments. So be it. Time to part ways. So sad, so sad... wasn't my choice.
From now on I will buy every Prince album and put all his songs on my permanent personal play list. From Prince comes the message of the King! Hallelujiah!!
I thought that people brought music because they liked the music. This has nothing to do with the music. Prince is a great musician, and I konw he has nothing against gays. People are just siding up becaue of the Prop 8 nonsense. Another thing. Gays always want people to understand them and be understanding of what they are trying to accomplish, but they always strike out against people who don't agree with them. If someone doesn't agree with you, then it's ok. It's not ok to lash out at people who don't believe what you believe. Just keep it moving. Prince is not against you personally. He believes what he believes. And as far as going back to when he was wild and his music was controversal, maybe he wasn't converted then. Ever thought of that? instead of attacking him or calling him a hipocrite, you should just keep it moving.
I stopped buying Prince albums long ago. He has not had a mainstream hit in years. Who cares what he thinks? He's a washed up artist that cant seem to think outside of his own self imposed box.
Little Richard also used to tote around and quote from a bible. Scripted into the margins were the detailed experiences of his gay affairs.
He was confronted with the book after a young fan broke open the locked bible backstage on tour in the UK.
How sad that there's still so much hatred of gays in this country. In my opinion, if you hate gays, you're a pathetic human being.
Look, if he said it and that's what he believes, then he CAN say it.
I'm really tired of everybody and their thin skin crying all the time every time they hear something they don't like. Grow up and take a moment to get completely over yourself. I'm also getting pretty fed up with everybody deciding that when somebody reads the Bible and remarks on what they have learned from it they're no longer credible and their opinion is no longer legitimate. How come I don't get to get offended about that? Too late. I already am. Go ahead Prince! Tell that story!
Fifty-two percent passed the Prop 8. I hope all 52% buy his music because I will NOT! It's fine that he does not like me because I am gay but there are plenty of other singers with great music that does not feel the same.
When are blacks going to be called out on their overwhelming bigotry when it comes to gay Americans? This just underscores the Prop 8 statistics which showed 70% of blacks voting to strip gay Americans of their right to marry.
I am sick and tired of Equality For Me, But Not For Thee.
My husband and I(together 11 years)got married in California 2 months ago. Equal is equal, anything else is unequal. Quit waving that friggin cross in my face. I don't believe in superstition. There probably isn't a god, so quit worrying and living in fear, relax and enjoy your life...