'I did NOT use any offensive language': Honey G hits back after critics accuse her of using the N word during X Factor live performance
Divisive rapper Honey G has been forced to deny claims she used racist language during her latest performance on long-running talent show The X Factor.
The 35-year old won a standing ovation from the judging panel following a unique interpretation of hip hop anthem Jump, originally a 1992 hit for American duo Kris Kross.
But her performance has since been overshadowed by claims that she used the N word while performing live at London’s Fountain Studios on Saturday evening.
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Hitting back: Divisive rapper Honey G has been forced to deny claims she used racist language during her latest performance on long-running talent show The X Factor
Addressing the controversy later that night, Honey – whose critics have already accused her of cultural appropriation – insisted any suggestion of racism was wide of the mark.
She tweeted: 'To be clear I did not use any offensive language. I sang the correct lyrics and said "kicking the flavor that makes you wanna jump".
'Thanks to everyone for all your incredible support, don't forget to vote for Honey G, let's go all the way to the 'X Factor' final! (sic).'
Setting the record straight: The 35-year old responded to inaccurate claims that she used the N word on Twitter
Popular: Honey won a standing ovation from the judging panel following a unique interpretation of hip hop anthem Jump, originally a 1992 hit for American duo Kris Kross
The incident follows a long line of negative comments against the rapper, with fellow musician Lily Allen dubbing her as "so wrong on so many levels".
The Smile singer said previously: 'As far as I can tell she is a white lady that dresses up in Ali G, Goldie Lookin' Chain kind of attire.
'She has done really well on X Factor and ITV is pouring money into her. I'm not black but I find it offensive. So wrong on so many levels, I can't even start to talk about it.'
Meanwhile, the talent show contestant previously had to defend herself against claims she's "attacking black culture".
Hot water: Elsewhere fellow contestant Ryan Lawrie has found himself embroiled in controversy after viewers accused him of miming on Saturday evening
She told The Mirror: 'This was probably one of the most ridiculous things I have seen so far. Any allegations of me being racist are completely false. All that stuff to do with me attacking black culture is utterly ridiculous.
'I've never said anything racist or behaved in that way, just because I'm pushing music from a black origin doesn't mean I'm attacking black culture.
'I think people are discriminating against me, they are using the race card against me. I feel like they are discriminating against me because I am white.'
'Less rapper more Quality Street wrapper!': Honey once again managed to sail through the competition to week six on Sunday night's results show, much to the horror of many fans
Elsewhere fellow contestant Ryan Lawrie has found himself embroiled in controversy after viewers accused him of miming on Saturday evening.
The Scottish singer won praise from the judging panel after performing a lively version of The Beatles classic Twist & Shout.
But fans slammed him for lip syncing after his vocals were clearly heard as he lowered his microphone in order to climb back onto the stage.
An X Factor source has since denied the claims, insisting: 'All contestants sing live and no one mimes. Ryan’s mic was live throughout his performance.'
Madness? As the rapper sailed through in the top five, many viewers were horrified that she'd evaded the bottom three - with some imploring bosses to end the 'madness'
More like a wrapper: Taking to Twitter in their droves, fans voiced their anger at the Londoner's continued success in the show
On Sunday night's results show Ryan and Honey once again managed to sail through the competition, much to the horror of many fans.
As rapper Honey made it through to week six, many viewers were horrified that she'd evaded the bottom three - with some imploring bosses to end the 'madness'.
Taking to Twitter in their droves, fans voiced their anger at the Londoner's continued success in the show.
'Less "rapper" more Quality Street "wrapper",' wrote @FiLapham88 in response to Dermot O'Leary's announcement that she was safe for another week.
Not happy: And it only got worse for Honey - real-name Anna Georgette Gilford - as other fans shared the sentiment
And it only got worse for Honey - real-name Anna Georgette Gilford - as other fans shared the sentiment.
Taking a swipe at her appeal to the rap and hip hop world, @OlgaKorts wrote: '@SimonCowell, will you offer honeyg a contract? Probably not because nobody will buy her album.. end the madness #XFactor [sic].'
'@The_Honey_G should be ashamed, allowing good singer to be sent home when she is clearly only in for the gimmick cause she can't rap #c***,' wrote @stuartbain11.
The critics have spoken: Presenter Tony Shepherd likened it to a national farce, while Brian McFadden went for the jugular
Presenter Tony Shepherd likened it to a national farce, writing: 'Brexit, Ed Balls, Boaty McBoatFace, Honey G. All proof that we can't be trusted to vote for anything #XFactor #XFactorResults.'
Former Westlife star Brian McFadden made his feelings clear, writing: 'When I Say honey you say... G...sus Christ!!!! what the f*** is that!!!!! [sic].'
Honey ended up in the top five acts, whilst Samantha Lavery found herself saved by the public lifeline.
But ultimately it was girl group Four of Diamonds who were the unlucky ones on the night, as Saara Aalto blew them away in the sing off.
Gone girls: Ultimately it was girl group Four of Diamonds who were the unlucky ones on the night, as Saara Aalto blew them away in the sing off
Reflecting on their elimination on Monday morning, the likeable girl group, comprised of Lauren Rammell, Caroline Alvares, Yasmin Lauryn and Sophia Saffarian insisted they will stay together as they look ahead to life beyond the show.
'We couldn’t imagine doing it as soloists now, we support each other, the way that we've gelled,' band-member Lauren told breakfast show Lorraine.
The group also admitted to receiving sound advice from some seasoned X Factor veterans.
'Little Mix are so lovely, they gave us such good advice - to get on with each other and work well and we've done that,' explained Caroline.
Sophia added: 'You've got to learn from that. The things we’ve been through have formed us as a band.'
Not going anywhere: Reflecting on their elimination on Monday morning, the likeable girl group insisted they will stay together as they look ahead to life beyond the show
Bouncing back: Band-mates Lauren Rammell (L) and Yasmin Lauryn (R) were upbeat as they chatted about their departure
Sound advice: Caroline Alvares admitted the band had been supported by former winners Little Mix
Looking ahead: Sophia Saffarian insisted their experiences helped form them as a band
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