Anti-gay singer Buju Banton guilty of drug charges
The homophobic Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton has been found guilty of cocaine charges.
The star was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and aiding and abetting others.
He was found not guilty of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Banton, real name Mark Myrie, was arrested on the charges in December 2009 in Miami.
The star and two others – Ian Thomas and James Mack – attempted to buy the cocaine from an undercover US Drug Enforcement Administration officer after an informant tip-off.
Thomas and Mack pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Banton said he was innocent and claimed a defence of entrapment.
A previous case against Banton ended in a mistrial.
The star, who has been refused bail, is expected to appeal against the conviction.
A date has not yet been set for sentencing.
Banton, who won a Grammy for best album last month, has been accused of homophobia by gay rights groups.
His notorious 1988 hit Boom Bye Bye appears to incite the burning, shooting in the head and pouring acid over the faces of gay people.
The star claims he has not performed the song live for years but video footage appears to show him singing it at a concert in 2006.
