Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

Reggae singer Buju Banton has advocated violence against gay people throughout his career.

In a popular song released in 1988 entitled "Boom Bye Bye," Banton repeats the anti-gay slurs, "batty bwoy" and "batty man," which are equivalent to the slur "fa**ot,"  and says that they "have to die" and he will "shoot them in the head" or "burn them." He continues to sing this song at his concerts today.

The Associated Press has reported that the song "Batty Rider" from Banton's 1993 record "Mr. Mention" glorifies the shooting of gay men.

In October 2009 Banton was quoted in news reports as saying "This is a fight, and as I said in one of my songs 'there is no end to the war between me and f----t' and it's clear."

By nominating Banton for a prestigious Grammy Award the Recording Academy is turning a blind eye to Banton's support of deadly violence against gay people.

Signing this letter tells the Recording Academy that honoring Banton with this nomination is not OK.

Read the full press release at GLAAD.org.

Petition Text

I am protesting Buju Banton's Grammy Nomination

Dear Recording Academy,

I am joining GLAAD's protest against Buju Banton's Grammy nomination and urging Recording Academy members NOT to support him. Honoring a man who continues to advocate killing gay people is absolutely unacceptable.

Reggae singer Buju Banton has advocated violence against gay people throughout his career.

In a popular song released in 1988 entitled "Boom Bye Bye," Banton repeats the anti-gay slurs, "batty bwoy" and "batty man," which are equivalent to the slur "fa**ot," and says that they "have to die" and he will "shoot them in the head" or "burn them." He continues to sing this song at his concerts today.

The Associated Press has reported that the song "Batty Rider" from Banton's 1993 record "Mr. Mention" glorifies the shooting of gay men.

In October 2009 Banton was quoted in news reports as saying "This is a fight, and as I said in one of my songs 'there is no end to the war between me and f----t' and it's clear."

By nominating Banton for a prestigious Grammy Award the Recording Academy is turning a blind eye to Banton's support of deadly violence against gay people.

[Your name]

  • Lisa Grundmann
    Lisa Grundmann (Melbourne, Australia)

    Sent letter to Barb Dehgan (The Recording Academy)

    Feb 28
  • Vanessa Withee
    Vanessa Withee (St Joseph, MO)

    Sent letter to Barb Dehgan (The Recording Academy)

    Feb 28
  • Laurie Brewer
    Laurie Brewer (Barberton, OH)

    Sent letter to Barb Dehgan (The Recording Academy)

    Feb 28
  • Richard Surwillo
    Richard Surwillo (Los Angeles, CA)

    Signed letter

    Feb 27
  • Elizabeth Darovic
    Elizabeth Darovic (Lake Elsinore, CA)

    Signed letter

    Feb 26
  • Visvesh Seshadri
    Visvesh Seshadri (Brooklyn, NY)

    Sent letter to Barb Dehgan (The Recording Academy)

    Feb 26
  • Isabella Nicolaides
    Isabella Nicolaides (Coatesville, PA)

    Signed letter

    Feb 26
  • Lisa York Cox
    Lisa York Cox (Huntsville, AL)

    Sent letter to Barb Dehgan (The Recording Academy)

    Feb 25
  • Marilu  Hagen
    Marilu Hagen (Pierson, FL)

    Sent letter to Barb Dehgan (The Recording Academy)

    Feb 24
  • Daniel Orey
    Daniel Orey (Sacramento, CA)

    Signed letter

    Feb 24

    Sign the Petition

    5,798 Signatures
    Goal: 7,500
    78%
    Start Your Own Petition
    close

    This user's Profile page is not public. They have restricted it to only their friends.

    Already a Member?

    Create an Account

    You must create a Change.org account to complete this action. If you already have an account click here.