Photo of homophobic Mika tag goes viral

(ANSA) - Rome, August 10 - A photo of singer Mika's concert posters for events in Italy, defaced with homophobic slogans, went viral over the weekend as the Lebanese-British musician used the opportunity to take a stand against hatred and prejudice.
    The photo, showing some concert posters in Florence defaced with the Italian equivalent of "faggot", was initially posted online by a fan of the openly gay judge from television's 'The X Factor', and shared by others.
    Mika initially ignored the picture but then decided to also join in, sharing the photo on his Instagram page and other social media sites.
    "I saw the writing on my posters and my instinct was to let it go...that the hatred of some people, something I know very well, was best ignored," he wrote on Twitter.
    "But you are right," Mika wrote, followed by the hashtag #rompiamoilsilenzio (let's break the silence).
    "I am not afraid of those who discriminate. No one should be. Love does what it wants," he added.
    His words were shared online thousands of times.
    Mika also received several replies and messages of support, including one from Florence Dario Nardella, who said "Florence is not homophobic, but an open city".