X Factor winner James Arthur diagnosed with ‘acute exhaustion’ following row over homophobia

X Factor winner James Arthur has cancelled all of a week’s engagements after being diagnosed with “acute exhaustion”. This comes at the end of a week of controversy  surrounding homophobic lyrics in a rap diss he recorded.

X Factor winner Arthur earlier this week left Twitter following criticism for using homophobic language against another artist in a “rap feud”. He handed over control of his Twitter account to managers.

In Arthur’s rap at Micky Worthless, he said: “You f***ing queer. Hilarious, precarious you Talibani confused, imbellic mimic of a gimmick.” He was criticised by comedians Matt Lucas and Frankie Boyle for the lyrics.

James Arthur also found himself amid a new Twitter drama, as fellow X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan tweeted a text conversation between the two containing a heated disagreement over his use of the word “queer”.

A statement released on Friday read that Arthur had been “instructed to rest for several days by his doctor”.

“James would like to apologise to his fans for any disappointment caused to them by these cancellations,

“He hopes to get back to full health as soon as possible.”

Controversy surrounding James Arthur’s Twitter spats around his use of homophobic lyrics on a track already escalated earlier today, as iTunes approved a refund to a customer who complained that they were offended by the lyrics.

• Dec 01 2023

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