Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds has bluntly criticized Eminem for his “hateful” anti-gay lyrics, not hesitating to call the rap icon an enemy of the LGBTQ+ community.

The American rapper surprise-released his 10th studio album, Kamikaze, to critical acclaim and praise from fans last week, but he also faced controversy for once again using the anti-gay slur “faggot” on a track called Fall

“Tyler create nothing, I see why you called yourself a faggot, bitch / It’s not just ’cause you lack attention / It’s ’cause you worship D12’s balls, you’re sacrilegious,” he raps in an attack on fellow artist Tyler, The Creator.

His lyrics reference Tyler’s last studio album, Flower Boy, on which he seemingly came as gay/bisexual.

Understandably, Eminem’s choice of insult was criticised by many listeners, including Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds, who took to Twitter to call out the “hurtful” language used on the rapper’s new album.

“It’s never ok to say a word that is filled with hate,” he wrote. “I don’t care what year you were born in or what meaning it has to you. If it contributes to hate and bigotry then it is hateful. period. There is never an ok time to say the word fa**ot. I don’t care who you are.”

“It’s disgusting to be told this is being “overly sensitive” or “millennial”. LGBTQ kids are TAKING THEIR LIVES after being bullied with homophobic slurs,” he continued. “It’s not “sensitive” to take a stand against a word that has been used to spread hate for years.”

He added: “I’ve lived enough of my life remaining silent on these issues because of fear or lack of education. I don’t live in fear anymore. I still have lots to learn. but no. I will not be a silent voice with this platform I have been given.”

Eminem has been slammed in the past for his use of homophobic lyrics. In 2013, he defended his use of the word ‘faggot’ on his album The Marshall Mathers LP 2, claiming to have “no issue” with gay people.

He said: “Not saying it’s wrong or it’s right, but at this point in my career – man, I say so much shit 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.

“And I don’t know how else to say this, I still look at myself the same way that I did when I was battling and broke.”