Eminem Supports Gay Marriage

June 21, 2010

The American gay rights movement gained an unlikely ally last week when hip-hop icon Eminem came out in support of same-sex marriage.

"I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable, if they want," said the rapper in an interview with the New York Times Magazine.

He adds: "This newfound tolerance stems from an overall look on things that is a lot more mature than it used to be. My more devious alter ego, Slim Shady, is on leave for now."

Eminem is long known for homophobic lyrics in his early work and has been heavily criticized by the gay community for it.

Does he regret his past views?

"Anything I’ve ever said, I certainly was feeling at the time," he tells The Times. "But I think I’ve calmed down a bit. My overall look on things is a lot more mature than it used to be."

And what have his alter ego Slim Shady?

"Shady still exists," he says. "But I don’t think the subjects on this record call for, you know, bring the chainsaws and axes out and murder everyone on this record. There was so much stuff like that off the last record that I felt like I was starting to run it into the ground. I think consciously I went in a different direction with this record."

In 2001, the rapper performed with Elton John at the Grammys.

Eminem’s latest album is set for release today.

Image source: Rob Steph