Eminem Tour Censored in Detroit

D E T R O I T, July 8 -- Eminem’s home state is giving the rapper’s tour atough time.

Detroit city officials pressured promoters to yank a videofrom the “Up in Smoke” tour — featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Eminem — because it portrays partially nude women and a mockliquor-store holdup in which Snoop Dogg holds a robber and asks theaudience, “Should I shoot… ?”

On Friday, Auburn Hills police made the same request, threatening charges of contributing to the delinquency of minors ifthe video wasn’t dropped. Hours before the show, tour promoters went to court and won.

Such troubles are not slowing down Eminem, who is gearing up to announce a follow-up outing. His official website says the rap singer will headline a tour in the fall, with specific details expected soon.

‘Classic Censorship’

“What makes you think you can edit content?” the federal judgeasked Auburn Hills city officials. “Isn’t that classic censorship and prior restraint?”

Auburn Hills police still ticketed Dr. Dre on a misdemeanorcharge of promotion of pornography. His lawyer said he wasconsidering suing.

In Detroit, promoters didn’t have time to challenge the city.City officials viewed the video late Thursday, hours before theshow, and threatened to cut power to the stage and arrestorganizers if it was shown.

Detroit officials also balked at Eminem’s plan to carry anunclothed inflatable doll on stage. The rapper, already facing acourt appearance on gun charges, gave in.

“He figured it wasn’t worth the risk,” Eminem lawyer JoelMartin said.