Tupac Wasn't Homophobic, Family Says

The family of Tupac Shakur denies claims made by music mogul Marion "Suge" Knight that the late rapper was homophobic, using as evidence Shakur's close friendship with the late gay designer Gianni Versace, reports TMZ.

Knight, founder of Death Row Records, has discussed Shakur's alleged homophobia during recent interviews, including an appearance on Howard Stern's Sirius XM program. While speaking with Stern, Knight claimed that 95% of rappers he worked with are closeted and took a few shots at his longtime rival Dr. Dre, who Knight claims is gay. Knight recalls a meeting between the three men during which Shakur allegedly called Dre "a faggot."

Reps for Shakur's family have denied the accusation, saying it's "totally false." TMZ confirms a friendship between the two deceased men, revealing that in 1996 Shakur even participated in a Versace fashion show in Italy in which he wore one of the designer's suits on the catwalk.