It has today been revealed that rap icon Eminem was banned from performing a Hyde Park as part of British Summer Time due to ‘offensive’ and ‘unsuitable’ lyrics.

Despite having agreed terms with the festival’s promoters AEG, a Freedom Of Information request by The Daily Mirror shows that the deal was vetoed by Royal Parks, the body that runs Hyde Park, due to concerns that his lyrics would unsettle other Hyde Park visitors.

The decision was referred to Boris Johnson, however, his chief of staff Sir Edward Lister said: “Until receipt of both emails I had no knowledge of Eminem and his style of music and still do not.” It was then adjudged to be a decision for Royal Parks to make.

The Daily Mirror’s article goes on to speak of how AEG’s Jim King responded to the initial decision by stating “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,” adding that he was not “aware of any other case whereby he has been prevented from performing in the UK”.