FIERY dancehall artiste Sizzla has denounced recent media reports that he was banned from performing in Sweden because of his aggressive stance against homosexuals.

A statement from the singer's Kalonji Muzik company yesterday accused international media of releasing 'misinformation to the public about him' to 'malice and defame his character'.

It said contrary to reports, Sizzla did not utter anti-gay lyrics during any of his most recent shows and was not booked to perform in Canada or England as some reports stated.

According to the statement, Sizzla is prepared to abide by laws in any country he is booked to perform.

"It is his nature and character to respect all," the statement read.

PinkNews, reportedly the largest gay news service in Europe, was among the media that carried the story.

Its story said Sizzla was scheduled to headline a show in Stockholm, the Swedish capital, in late March. Promoters cancelled the show due to pressure from gay rights groups.

PinkNews also disclosed that other Sizzla concerts in Italy, France, Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands and Spain are scheduled to go on.

His European tour was scheduled to start yesterday in Vienna, Austria. It is expected to close April 19 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Sizzla is one of several dancehall acts who have clashed with gay rights groups in Europe and North America for nearly 20 years.

The British gay rights group, Outrage, forced promoters of shows in Britain to cancel Sizzla concerts in the United Kingdom in 2004. Similar action took place in Toronto, Canada, the following year.

In 2008, Sizzla was denied a visa to perform in several European countries after protests from gay rights organisations.

Buju Banton, Beenie Man and Capleton have also been targeted by gay rights advocates who say their some of their songs encourage violence against persons with alternative lifestyles.