I’ve been a fan of Asher Roth ever since I first saw him perform on his “I Love College” song on MTV’s Spring Break this year.  Yes, I just admitted that I watch MTV and their Spring Break feature.  Sue me.

Anyway, Asher Roth’s name recently set the web ablaze when a rumor that he is gay started floating around.

If you didn’t know, the hip hop/rap culture are not down with the gayness.  Not at all.

Asher issued a really cool statement about the rumor:

“I hate to disappoint and take away the entertainment of it all but I am straight, not gay. It’s disheartening to know such news on someone’s personal life can be portrayed as fact with no viable source. This, to me, is an opportunity to expose our vulnerability to lies and manipulation through unprofessional and irresponsible news outlets, in which people consider TRUTH.

“Further, someone’s sexual orientation should NEVER be big news, as it delivers a troubling message to children that they can’t be themselves without fear of judgement. Race, creed, and sexual persuasion should not just be tolerated but understood and accepted. It’s extremely disappointing that this topic would be used with the intention of being hurtful. We are near 2010….2010!! Yet race, sex and religion still play a major role in a hate-driven society.For the love of the future and humanity….let’s wake up.”

That is a beautiful statement, Asher!  You said a very powerful thing in two short paragraphs.

I thank you for that.

More importantly, I thank you for not ending your statement with “No Homo!”

And to demonstrate how not cool the rap/hip hop culture is with gayness, listen to the first few words of Lil Wayne’s Lollipop.

Or, to quote them here:

I said he’s so sweet
Make her wanna lick the rapper
So I let her lick the rapper

Hmmmmmmm.  No matter his lyrics, Lil Wayne is not gay … he liberally uses “no homo” in his music.

Oh yeah, before I wrap this up, here is a sexy ad featuring sexy Asher:

(Asher with fans photo courtesy STYLEMOM’s Flickr photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/stylemom/ / CC BY 2.0)

Tags: Entertainment, Gay Celebrities, Gossip, Humor, Music, Video