50 Cent has denied he is anti-gay after suggesting gay men who “ don’t eat pussy” should commit suicide.

The Twitter comment, which came amid a number of suicides in the US involving young gay people, was widely condemned.

Star Trek star Zachary Quinto sent a public message to the rapper, telling him to “spread hope not hate”.

But responding to the criticism, 50 Cent said his comment had been misinterpreted.

"Somehow they turned a simple joke into an anti-gay statement. I have nothing against people who choose an alternative life,” he said.

"In fact I've publicly stated my mom loved women. It's funny how people think negative statements are newsworthy but positive statements are not worthy of coverage."

A host of stars have backed a campaign in the US called It Gets Better, which is trying to stop the bullying linked to gay suicides.

(by Jason Gregory)