Just the past week it was revealed that American rap artist Tyler The Creator was banned from entering the UK on behalf of lyrics which he wrote in some of his earlier albums - these lyrics were classed as 'misogynistic and homophobic' and also was believing to promote 'terrorist acts' as understandable as even Tyler himself found it - this album, named 'Bastard and Goblin' was released over 5 years ago now, and this has attracted him controversy ever since.
However Tyler and his manager Chris Clancy both believe that he has grown up since then - "I'm not defending his old lyrics. To be honest they make me cringe, but I stand beside him because of who he actually is" Tyler was listed to perform at the Reading and Leeds Festivals over the weekend, however due to this banning order, he had to cancel his dates.
The issue isn't only based on the fact that he lost out on performing to some of his most adoring fans - but why has he been banned for something which really didn't cause that much of an issue and he himself regrets, and now that he has matured he hasn't wrote lyrics like those since.
Has free speech become a poisoned chalice for celebrities and the public alike? Expressing your mind and how you feel has become not only criticised but also worthy of punishment - considering free speech is a god given right of ours, we shouldn't need to feel awkward about expressing how we really feel.
Tyler may have made some negative comments but doesn't most of the music industry? Don't we see the use of free speech used strongly in the world of film? Both sides need to let bygones be bygones - Tyler The Creator still has massive fan base in the United Kingdom, and to ban him from performing there is nothing short of harsh for both Tyler and his fans.
What's your opinion?
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