Nearly two weeks after the first cancellations of his concerts, Capleton has finally spoken out on the affair shaking the reggae world. His statement was circulated in a press release from the gay rights association Inter-Centre LGBT on 8 June 2005. The text is published in full.
"Because of my religion, or spirituality, I have convictions about my own way of life, and people must respect that. But because of that same spirituality, I also know that life is sacred and that only Jah can give it and take it away. It must be clear to the rest of the world that my music does not incite violence against any human being, whatever their way of life, whether in Jamaica or abroad. It is regrettable that some of my lyrics, which I had already decided [on 4 February] never to perform again in any way, have been taken as personal attacks and misunderstood or misinterpreted. In return, there should be no personal attacks, no racist attacks and no threats against me or against my music."
Meanwhile, despite numerous rumours and claims from associations, Capleton's 26 June concert at the Zénith de Paris is still going ahead, according to the organisers.