Beenie Man has been banned from performing at an MTV concert after gay activists planned a protest over his lyrics.

The reggae star, who recently issued “sincerest apologies” for violent, homophobic lyrics, was due to perform before the MTV Awards in Miami.

But an MTV spokesman said: “We don’t want anything to overshadow what should be a great weekend of music events.”

Beenie Man’s manager, Clyde McKenzie, said: “In many instances the lyrics of dancehall artists are metaphorical.

“He (Beenie Man) has made it clear that he doesn’t want to incite violence,” he added.

But gay campaigners are not impressed.

“We respectfully suggest that he use other metaphors,” said Heddy Pena, director of Miami gay rights group SAVE Dade.

Beenie Man apologised for his past lyrics last month.

“Certain lyrics and recordings I have made in the past may have caused distress and outrage among people whose identities and lifestyles are different from my own.

“I offer my sincerest apologies to those who might have been offended, threatened or hurt by my songs,” he said in a statement.

Credit: Ananova