House of Blues cancels Capleton concert after gay activists protest

In response to a letter from the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, the House of Blues has announced that it has canceled a performance by dancehall musician Capleton that had been scheduled for October 4 at the West Hollywood HOB location. The LAGLC received a letter Wednesday from the House of Blues' senior vice president of marketing that stated the venue was canceling the appearance of Capleton, whose earlier lyrics have called for the burning, lynching, and shooting of gay men and lesbians. LAGLC CEO Lorri L. Jean said in a statement: "Though we're angry that the House of Blues provided a performance venue for this hatemonger in Chicago, we're pleased that they have canceled his Los Angeles concert. No concert venue should ever promote a singer whose artistic expression includes promoting violence against any group. This is not an issue of free speech, because speech inciting murder and mayhem is not protected by the First Amendment."