Stonewall: ‘It’s good to have James Arthur’s support’

Stonewall has welcomed James Arthur’s recent vow of support.

The 2012 X Factor winner said in tweets yesterday (July 27) that he wants to make a “long term commitment” to the LGB rights charity after he drew widespread criticism last year for using the term “f**king queer” in a Twitter argument with underground rapper Micky Worthless. Read the full story here.

Stonewall’s new CEO Ruth Hunt has since tweeted a response to Arthur’s vow of support – see below.

Always good to have support @JamesArthur23 Maybe you’d like to meet some of our youth volunteers working in schools? Ruth x @stonewalluk

— Ruth Hunt (@ruth_hunt) July 27, 2014

In a further statement to attitude.co.uk, Hunt elaborated on the charity’s position:

“We believe that the best way to tackle homophobia is through education. We therefore welcome any opportunity to help people better understand the devastating impact that homophobic language can have.”

Arthur was dropped from Simon Cowell’s Syco label in June following his controversial behaviour. Over the weekend, the singer also told fans that he may go simply by the name of “Arthur” when he next releases music in a bid to make a fresh start.

Related stories:
> Alan Carr: ‘Most homophobia I get is from gays’
> ITV launches anti-bullying campaign with Stonewall