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American Idol - Gay Rights Group: 'American Idol Is Homophobic'

20 January 2006 19:52

American Idol Season 6 ' contestant Blake Lewis

Caption: ' American Idol (Picture) Season 6 ' contestant Blake Lewis arriving at his hotel in Midtown New York New York City, USA ....

Gay Rights Group: 'American Idol Is Homophobic'

Bosses at America's leading gay rights group are demanding a summit meeting with the producers of TV talent show AMERICAN IDOL after claiming the programme is "increasingly homophobic".

Officials at the Gay And Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) were appalled by homophobic remarks made by judges SIMON COWELL and RANDY JACKSON on the first show of the new season, which aired in America on Tuesday (17JAN06).

On the programme, Brit Cowell told one effeminate wannabe to "shave off your beard and wear a dress," while Jackson asked another audition hopeful, "Are you a girl?" Both contestants were rejected.

Now GLAAD bosses are fighting back, demanding an audience with Idol bosses.

A spokesman tells entertainment news website TMZ.com, "GLAAD is reaching out to the show's producers to discuss our concerns and the concerns of community members and allies, who have contacted us about this matter."

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14th January 2009 19:35 equinechick5 (1)

	I don't understand why American Idol is getting blame for something that is completely and totally retarded. Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson don't need to be blamed for something this stupid! American Idol is a show where people are judged by their singing talent not their looks. Although the remarks made by Simon and Randy were not necessary they have the freedom of speech to say what they want or their opinion about something or someone. I don't get why people make a big deal out off something that's not. We the people of the United States do not need to spend our time arguing about something that isn't as important as some other events going on.

22nd February 2008 11:27 Carolyn (5)

	Just a test

22nd February 2008 10:07 dot com truth troll (1)

	If anything, this whole story and protest is a reverse spin publicity stunt. After 7 seasons, it is the rare handpicked male contestant who is not an effeminate pretty boy. Simon Coward and Randy Jackson both look and sound like closeted queers to me. And I wonder if AI's Brit producers are too. While gay groups cry false discrimination, ranks of finalists are filled with "friends of dorothy" while straights are left out. Hello. Hollywood is run by gays and reverse discrimination is the rule. Don't believe the spin masters. They'll hide the truth and lie to protect the biased homo status quo.