Pat Boone backs Eminem

LOS ANGELES — Rapper Eminem has his share of detractors but musician Pat Boone is offering some support.

The veteran singer-songwriter may not like the content of Eminem's music, but he said that he respects freedom of expression.

"I don't agree with his lyrics, their content or tone. I'm totally opposed to violence, racism and homophobia, but I vigorously feel that we must respect an individual's right to speak his mind, especially when it comes to all forms of art," Boone said Friday.

Other artists have come under fire for either supporting Eminem or, in the case of Elton John, agreeing to perform with him at Wednesday's Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

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