Eminem was reportedly banned from performing at Hyde Park due to lyrics being seen as “offensive” and “unsuitable,” according to new documents obtained by The Daily Mirror, confirming reports that published made in May

AEG agreed to terms with Eminem for a performance at the venue, but the agreement was vetoed by Royal Parks, which runs Hyde Park. Royal Parks CEO Linda Lennon said the following about the matter in an e-mail: 

“This artist flagged risks across the board. In particular in respect of our public reputation,” Lennon said. “The nature of any act with potential for lyrics to be deemed offensive and/or unsuitable language being audible within the park as a whole, let alone the surrounding residential areas, is unacceptable.”

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London Mayor Boris Johnson’s office says they were not involved in the decision to stop Eminem from performing at Hyde Park. 

AEG’s Jim King said the following after receiving the ruling. 

“I don’t want to split hairs but I do question how easy it is for any offensive lyrics to be heard and actually understood outside of our event site,” he said. He also added that he was not “aware of any other case whereby he has been prevented from performing in the UK.” 

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Black Sabbath, Neil Young and Arcade Fire are other acts on the card Eminem was set to play. Instead, Eminem is slated to perform at Wembley Stadium July 11 and 12. 

This report confirms a May story from The Mirror. At the time, the publication had a source that said: 

“Eminem is a controversial artist, whose lyrics have been accused of being homophobic, provocative and pretty sweary…So there has been some debate about whether The Royal Parks will rubber-stamp any agreement to play there…He’s a huge name, and would be a great draw for fans, but it may not be the right image for the parks if he’s effing and blinding on stage,”

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Eminem addressed this in May, The Mirror says. 

“I heard that I wasn’t going to be approved to play in Hyde Park and it made me even more excited to play in London this summer,” he reportedly said. “The easiest way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it. Thanks to the Royal Parks for making it all possible… for Wembley.”

In May, Eminem also posted the following: 

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