So You Think Gays Shouldn’t Dance: Confused judge insults male couple; apologizes [video]
”This is the first time we’ve had two guys Samba for us…. Your styles were good, if I just stick with the dancing. I think you probably alienate a lot of our audience. We’ve always had the guys dance together on the show, but they’ve never really done it in each other’s arms before…. Thank you for coming and sharing a first with us…. I’d like to see you both dancing with a girl. You never know, you might enjoy that, too.”
”The same sex ballroom guys did remind me of ‘Blades of Glory.’ However, I’m not a fan of ‘Brokeback’ Ballroom…. I am very sad the word ‘homophobe’ is being used. That is someone who hates homosexuals. I dislike effeminate dancing! Wake up and listen! … I believe overtly effeminate dancing destroys the opportunity for many male dancers to be supported. Being gay doesn’t mean effeminate.”
”I wholeheartedly apologize for my Brokeback Ballroom Tweet. It was insensitive, ignorant and stupid. I have upset a number of dear friends.”
Nigel Lythgoe, a judge on the Fox TV show “So You Think You Can Dance,” expressing his dislike of a pair of male ballroom dancers who tried out for the show. Misha Belfer, who is gay, and Mitch Kibel, who is straight, auditioned a piece of choreography that the three judges found confusing because neither of the men was playing a female role. Ultimately, they were both let go after each performed with a female partner later on. Lythgoe’a first comments aired on television, then he followed up the show with a series of Twitter comments for which he has finally apologized. (Fox via GLAAD on YouTube)
”The judges of So You Think You Can Dance critique auditioners and contestants on their overall performance, stage presence, technique and a wide range of characteristics. All dancers are aware when they audition they will be subject to the judges’ opinions. We apologize if any viewers were offended by their remarks.”
A statement from the producers of Fox TV show ”So You Think You Can Dance” on the Nigel Lythgoe constroversy over male dance partners Misha and Mitch. (E Online)
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