Kanye West has backtracked on his highly controversial criticism of Beck winning a Grammy over Beyoncé - well, kinda.

In the way that only Kanye West can, he has clarified his comments and says that when he claimed that Beck's win was 'diminishing art' and 'disrespectful to inspiration', he was really criticising the Grammy judges. 

He told TMZ: "I wasn't saying Beck, I said the Grammys. Beck knows Beyoncé should have won… I love Beck, but he didn't have the album of the year."

Beck, to his credit, has taken the drama in good grace. "I thought she was going to win," he said, agreeing with the rapper's sentiments. "Come on, she's Beyoncé!"

Meanwhile, Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson has weighed in on the debate for no apparent reason. She penned an open letter to West on her Facebook page, calling West 'small and petty and spoilt' and claiming that he was 'making [himself] look like a complete twat'.

The full text of her message to West can be read below:

Dear Kanye West
It is YOU who is so busy disrespecting artistry.
You disrespect your own remarkable talents and more importantly you disrespect the talent, hard work and tenacity of all artists when you go so rudely and savagely after such an accomplished and humble artist like BECK.
You make yourself look small and petty and spoilt.
In attempting to reduce the importance of one great talent over another, you make a mockery of all musicians and music from every genre, including your own.
Grow up and stop throwing your toys around.
You are making yourself look like a complete twat.
Ps.I am pretty certain Beyonce doesn't need you fighting any battles on her account. Seems like she's got everything covered perfectly well on her own.