The outcry over the inclusion of anti-gay reggae artist Beenie Man in the Big Day Out line-up has been heard: The homophobic Jamaican musician has been pulled from the January music festival in Auckland and a number of cities in Australia.

It follows an outpouring of anger over some of his lyrics, which encourage the execution of gay people.

Big Day Out producers say they understand Beenie Man has renounced the sentiments, and say he did promise to adhere to peaceful and humanistic values for the festival. However they say the depth of feeling and hurt among gay and lesbian groups has convinced them that proceeding with his Big Day Out appearances would be divisive and mar the enjoyment of the event for many.