James Arthur has reiterated that his past homophobic slur was "taken out of context".

The singer was criticised in 2013 after using the word "queer" as a derogatory term in a rap.

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, the former X Factor winner denied any ill-meaning behind the term.

He said: "My music is about love and I don't discriminate against any type of person.

"It was taken out of context and I didn't mean to offend anyone at all. But I make no excuses and I dealt with the whole thing in the wrong way."

Arthur meanwhile is currently No.1 in the UK with his combeack single 'Say You Won't Let Go'.

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