James Arthur wants to make ‘long term commitment’ to Stonewall following homophobia row

X Factor winner James Arthur has said he wants to make a “long term commitment” to leading gay rights charity Stonewall, months after causing controversy for recording a rap with homophobic lyrics.

Arthur attracted criticism from comedian Matt Lucas last year, for referring to another singer as a ‘f***ing queer’ during a rap battle.

He was quietly dropped by record label SyCo after the controversy.

This afternoon he tweeted: I would like to make a long term commitment to Stonewall they’d have me [sic]”.

I would like to make a long term commitment to @stonewalluk they’d have me. I admire the work they do. Maybe I can right my wrong with this.

— James Arthur (@JamesArthur23) July 27, 2014

He lated clarified to say he had meant to include the word “if”. Then, commenting on the fact that it is illegal to be gay in 42 out of 53 Commonwealth countries, he said: “It is so wrong”, followed by retweeting information about a charity skydive for Stonewall.

It is so wrong that it’s ILLEGAL to be gay in 42 of the 53 commonwealth countries! — James Arthur (@JamesArthur23) July 27, 2014

Speaking on Twitter earlier this week, he also suggested changing his stage name to just “Arthur”, to distance himself from the controversy.

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