Eminem’s Caitlyn Jenner Freestyle Slam: Transphobic Or Harmless WordPlay?

Eminem has taken shots at his share of targets over his career. But his latest verbal jab at several celebrities, including the recently transformed Caitlyn Jenner, has people questioning whether he’s gone too far this time.

As reported by MTV, the controversy began when Eminem laid down a vicious free style on Sirius XM’s “Sway In The Morning” show.

“This a true statement, I see the b**ch in you, Caitlyn,” Eminem rapped a cappella style. “I keep the pistol tucked like Bruce Jenner’s d**k / No disrespect though, not at all / No pun intended, that took a lot of balls.”

Eminem also went after Donald Trump, Bill Cosby, and Miley Cyrus among others, however, in this very sensitive climate, anyone that slams Caitlyn Jenner in any way possible can be seen as transphobic.

In fact, Eminem isn’t the only celebrity to come under fire for using unkind words toward Caitlyn. As reported by Inquistr, comedian D.L. Hughley faced some public backlash for comparing Jenner to “every P.E. teacher [he] ever had.” He also felt Caitlyn was attractive “in a Mrs. Doubtfire kind of way” alluding to the famous Robin Williams character from the popular 1993 film.

Director/Actor Peter Berg meanwhile also came under fire for sharing a transphobic meme blasting Jenner for receiving the “Arthur Ashe Courage Award” at the ESPYs. The meme showcased a veteran side-by-side with Caitlyn, and included the inappropriate caption, “One Man traded 2 legs for the freedom of the other to trade 2 balls for 2 boobs. Guess which Man made the cover of Vanity Fair, was praised for his courage by President Obama and is to be honored with the ‘Arthur Ashe Courage Award’ by ESPN?”

As reported by TMZ, Berg was eventually forced to take down the Instagram post and apologize. Further, he went on to say he respects Caitlyn Jenner despite his earlier meme.

Which brings us back to Eminem. Was his freestyle transphobic? He does have a history of homophobic lyrics dating back to his earliest songs. However, it’s unlikely he meant to disparage transgenders, based on interviews he’s conducted on that very subject.

In 2013, Eminem offered Rolling Stone his explanation for using words and phrases that may come off as derogatory in nature, but are not meant as actual attacks.

“At this point in my career – man, I say so much sh*t that’s tongue-in-cheek. I poke fun at other people, myself. But the real me sitting here right now talking to you has no issues with gay, straight, transgender, at all. I’m glad we live in a time where it’s really starting to feel like people can live their lives and express themselves.”

Whether or not the public agrees with Eminem’s Caitlyn Jenner freestyle remains to be seen.

[Photo credit: Mike Coppola / Getty Images]