GLAAD Replies to Judges Comments on 'Idol'

http://www.comcast.net/music/index.jsp?cat=MUSIC&fn=/2006/01/24/310668.html ^ | 1 24 06 | Associated Press

[freepatriot32]

NEW YORK - Is "American Idol" homophobic? The Fox talent show elicited a response from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLADD) after judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson made what the gay rights group deemed questionable comments on last week's premiere episode.

On Tuesday's show, seen by a Nielsen-chart topping 35.5 million viewers, Cowell told one male contestant to "wear a dress" and Jackson asked another, "are you a girl?"

"The real offense here was in the producer's decision to add insult to injury by turning a contestant's gender expression into the butt of a joke," said Damon Ramine, a spokesman for GLAAD, in a statement posted on the group's Web site.

Ramine updated the situation Monday with another statement: "We've spoken with Fox and have entered into what we hope will be a productive, ongoing conversation about the show's representation and discussion of sexual orientation and gender expression."

A spokesman for "American Idol" said Monday that Fox had no comment.

The popular Fox show, now in its fifth season, airs Tuesdays, 8 p.m. EST.

___

On the Net:

http://www.glaad.org

www.idolonfox.com/

[Bommer]

A spokesman for "American Idol" said Monday that Fox had no comment.

Too bad! I would have told them to "Go Pack Fudge!"

[freepatriot32]

ping

[Dog Gone]

Shut up you girlieman.

[The Electrician]

The real offense here was in the producer's decision to add insult to injury by turning a contestant's gender expression into the butt of a joke

Sounds like the a spokesman for GLAAD was engaging in his own gay joke...

[ozzymandus]

Well, this just my personal opinion, but I think anybody who watches "American Idol" is gay.

[DustyMoment]

"The real offense here was in the producer's decision to add insult to injury by turning a contestant's gender expression into the butt of a joke," said Damon Ramine, a spokesman for GLAAD, in a statement posted on the group's Web site.

Poor choice of words from ole Damon. I'd tell'em to take it to Brokeback Mountain - they'll find someone who cares there.

[Wally_Kalbacken]

Yes - the first mistake is to elect to get into a mud throwing spat with these folks. They should simply be ignored.

[jeremiah]

I watched the show, the kid was dressed in female clothing, and tried to be as feminine as possible. In a world where feelings are paramount, telling the truth is against the law.

[ShandaLear]

How do you know it's soooooooo bad if you've never seen it?

[ShandaLear]

How do you know it's soooooooo bad if you've never seen it?

[jrushing]

add insult to injury by turning a contestant's gender expression into the butt of a joke.

What's gender expression?
Inquiring minds want to know.

[infidel29]

"The real offense here was in the producer's decision to add insult to injury by turning a contestant's gender expression..."

I remember the good old dyas when a person's gender was never in question and didn't need to be expressed.

[SouthernFreebird]

For crying out loud, they spend their lives trying to get noticed for being queer then gripe when they are.

[Snardius]

I can't believe the issues this country wastes time on.

Nor can I! I think we should spend more time in biker bars swilling tequila and dancing on tables...![smooch]

[WSGilcrest]

I saw that, too. They guy(?) couldn't sing for $hit, but blamed the judges for rejecting him on his appearance and not his lack of singing ability.

[little jeremiah]

Thanks for the alert - DirtyHarry and DBeers are now the head honchos of the Homosexual Agenda Pinglist, at least for the time being. They will appreciate any articles pinged their way.