US rapper Tyler, The Creator used his acceptance speech at the Brit Awards to take aim at former UK prime minister Theresa May.
The star won the award for Best International Male during Tuesday night’s ceremony, and made fun of May who was home secretary when the Home Office stopped him entering the country.
As he finished his speech, he said: “Thank you Theresa May.
“I know she’s at home pissed off.”
Back in 2015, Tyler the Creator was forced to cancel four dates, including Reading and Leeds festivals after being banned from the UK for his violent lyrics.
His manager, Christian Clancy, said that they received a letter from the Home Office, which specifically cited lyrics that Tyler had written up to seven years prior.
Clancy posted on his Tumblr: “Highlights from the letter include that Tyler’s work ‘encourages violence and intolerance of homosexuality’ and ‘fosters hatred with views that seek to provoke others to terrorist acts.’”
The Home Office’s decision was widely criticised at the time, with many pointing out fellow rapper Eminem’s use of violent lyrics as he had sold out two shows at Wembley Stadium in 2014 without the Home Office batting an eyelid.
During his acceptance during Tuesday night’s Brits, Tyler, The Creator also paid tribute to the UK music scene, saying: “Shout our to all the British funk from the 80s that I try to copy.”
It was not the only political statement of the evening, as British rapper Dave also branded current prime minister Boris Johnson “racist” during his performance of single Black.
He also lambasted the treatment of victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and also added that the Windrush generation still needed support.
