Investigation Reveals That Eminem Was Banned from Playing Hyde Park; Performer Will Do Wembley Stadium Instead

Eminem is going to be playing a massive show at Wembley Stadium in London later during 2014, but that development only came about because the city's park system got touchy about having the controversial emcee appear on its grounds. E-mails have emerged that confirm the rapper was turned down for a spot at AEG's Barclaycard British Summer Time concert series.

"This artist flagged risks across the board. In particular in respect of our public reputation," wrote Royal Parks CEO Linda Lennon. "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."

AEG didn't do much to fight the decision, already featuring performances from Black Sabbath, Neil Young and The Libertines on its lineup. The promoter's Jim King did sarcastically question whether neighborhoods surrounding Hyde Park would be able to hear, much less comprehend Eminem's raps. They do charge admission for a reason, of course.

The truth behind Eminem's absence became clear after a freedom of information act request was filed by The Daily Mirror, although the rumor of his being banned were strong. Some even encouraged the mayor of London to overturn the ban, which they technically weren't sure existed. The office of Mayor Boris Johnson played the "we're old" card and claimed to be unfamiliar with Eminem, although it would be difficult for his office would be unable to do anything about the Royal Parks' decision.

Eminem commented on the controversy last month upon the announcement of his Wembley concert.

"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 said. "The easiest way to get me to do something is to tell me I can't do it."

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Eminem