UK: James Arthur dropped by Simon Cowell record label after homophobic lyrics row

X Factor winner James Arthur has confirmed he is no longer signed to Simon Cowell’s record label, following multiple rows over homophobic lyrics.

It was first reported in April that following homophobia rows, SyCo had “lost patience” with the X Factor winner, and quietly dropped him less than two years after he won the competition.

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

The controversy re-opened two months ago over track ‘Follow The Leader’, which contains the lyrics: “Look at what you do to me / I’m crying over stupid s*** / you’re such a f***ing homophobe / wish I’d never let you in / to think that I was thinking maybe I should let you live / I’m gonna blow up your family like I’m a terrorist.”

At the time he had claimed he was “still with” the label, saying that claims he was fired were a “media circus”.

However, yesterday evening he took to Twitter to confirm the rumours, writing: “Just to clear things up – I am no longer with Syco. I would like to thank all at the label for making a great record with me.”

Just to clear things up – I am no longer with Syco. I would like to thank all at the label for making a great record with me.

— James Arthur (@JamesArthur23) June 11, 2014

Today, following media coverage he tweeted the word “Toxic”, but it was unclear to what he was referring.

Toxic — James Arthur (@JamesArthur23) June 12, 2014

Last month, Amanda Holden suggested Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst should become an X Factor judge.

• Nov 29 2023

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