M.I.A has denied that she supports terrorism after a Sri Lankan rapper said the singer's music condoned the actions of the militant group, Tamil Tigers.

In footage on the video sharing website YouTube, rapper DeLon claims M.I.A's lyrics and artwork promote the separatist group.

In the video, in which he raps over M.I.A's hit 'Paper Planes', he says: "You know what the tiger represents: The death of the innocent.”

Responding to the claims, M.I.A, who is the daughter of a militant Tamil Tiger activist, said that as “a Sri Lankan that fled war and bombings, my music is the voice of the civilian refugee.

"Frankly, I am not trying to start dialogue with someone who is really just seeking self-promotion."

She added that the song, which features gunshot sounds and the lyrics “Some I murder, some I let go", shows how people can turn to violence when they “don't really feel like [they] contribute to culture in any way".

Earlier in the summer, M.I.A surprised fans at a US festival when she appeared to announce her retirement on stage.

(by Jason Gregory)