Chris Fountain, who plays Tommy
Duckworth in soap Coronation Street, has been suspended after being un-masked
as a rapper named The Phantom who has rapped about rape.
Videos posted online show the
25-year-old wearing a mask covered by a baseball cap and a hoodie. The explicit
and disturbing lyrics such as "rape a bitch on her birthday" have
resulted in his suspension.
One YouTube video also features
the heart-throb threatening to "slice a rival with a machete".
The actor has apologised for
any offence caused. He added: "I am deeply ashamed by the lyrics and very
much regret my behaviour. The videos were made over a year ago when I was
experimenting with music and I've not done anything like it since, nor will
I."
Coronation Street bosses said:
"ITV find the language used and the views expressed in this video totally
unacceptable. Chris Fountain has been suspended pending further inquiries into
this matter."
It seems there is more drama
off set than on after he is the third cast member to be suspended. Michael Le Vell (Kevin Webster) and William Roache
(Ken Barlow) are currently facing sexual offence charges.
Words by Lucy Howell.