Fridae

The controversial hip-hopster whose lyrics encourages violence against women and gays picked up three Grammy awards before performing a duet with openly gay Elton John, who is a champion of gay causes.

About 200 representatives from gay, women's and religious groups protested outside Staples Centre where the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards was held.

The rapper played both himself and his mentally deranged fan while John, sang the haunting chorus in a haunting rendition of "Stan", originally recorded by Enimem and British singer Dido. At the end, the embracing pair received a standing ovation before Eminem flashed his middle finger.

Eminem bagged Best Rap Album for The Marshall Mathers LP, Rap Solo Performance for The Real Slim Shady and Rap Performance By Duo/Group for Forgot About Dre, collaboration with his mentor and producer, Dr Dre who won the producer of the year award.

Well before Grammy nominations were even announced, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation made a first move by issuing a press release that condemned rapper Eminem's lyrics for sending "messages that endorse hatred."

The wife of US vice-president, Dick Cheney who has taken an active role speaking out against the music industry for promoting artists with violent lyrics has also expressed her dismay that Elton John has chosen to perform with Eminem.

Lynne Cheney who has a lesbian daughter said in a CNN interview, "This certainly isn't the first time, but Eminem is certainly, I think, the most extreme example of rock lyrics used to demean women, advocate violence against women, violence against gay people."

Despite condemnation from various quarters, at least one gay organisation has come out in support of Eminem. His work has been defended as being more of an academic endeavour. Ann Northop, spokeswoman for Militant outfit - Act Up says, "Eminem is too smart to be homophobic. I think what he's doing is more of a cultural analysis."

Born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, the rapper has pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon during a heated argument outside a Michigan nightclub last June. He will be sentenced on April 10. The charge carries with it a potential five-year sentence.

In return for the plea, a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon was dropped. The police said Eminmen attacked the man after seeing him kiss his wife, Kimberly Mathers.