Asking Alexandria vocalist Danny Worsnop's comments on Algerian boxer Imane Khelif spark controversy

Frontman of UK metalcore band Asking Alexandria, Danny Worsnop, recently ignited some controversy online over recent statements regarding gender equality and the situation surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics. 

Worsnop shared his views on social media on the dispute over Khelif's gender after her victory in women's welterweight boxing. 

Resharing a screenshot from Reduxx Magazine on the situation, Worsnop commented:

I mean… how long are we going to play this game? Personal life y'all do what you wanna do. But in combat sports this is not okay by any moral or measurable degree. Tolerance and acceptance has a line and we have to draw it to protect our women. We're nothing without them.

To clarify, I do not believe in equality. We as men do everything in our power to provide and create for the women of this world, who are magical and wonderful creatures. And we fight relentlessly to protect their elegance and innocence.

Worsnop's comments attracted a significant amount of backlash in the comments replying to his initial post. Despite facing criticism, Worsnop retained his original statements online alongside a follow-up explanation regarding his position on the matter.

In a series of Tweets, Worsnop clarified his views the following day:

Just want to (with sober brain) clarify and fine-tune my post from yesterday so there's not a misunderstanding.

By "I do not believe in equality" I mean I do not believe we (men/women) are the same and comparable. I think each have our right an unique strengths and weaknesses.

I believe those differences are important and should be celebrated and adored.

I think rum may have messed up the delivery of that.

Side note: don't use a song a stupid 17 year old wrote (about a specific person who was involved in the writing and perfectly fine with it) which I literally have refused to play or acknowledge for very many years as an example of my views on women 🙄 that's silly.

What do very much do not believe in is men being allowed to climb into a ring and beat up women… was the point I think I was trying to get to.