Some comments producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe made to a same sex ballroom dancing duo on Thursday night’s edition of So You Think You Can Dance caused a bit of an uproar.
He said to the pair after their performance, “I think you will probably alienate a lot of our audience. I mean, we’ve always had the guys dance together on the show, but they’ve never really done it in each other’s arms before.”
Nigel twittered about the controversy, “I am very sad the word ‘homophobe’ is being used. That is someone who hates homosexuals. I dislike effeminate dancing! Wake up and listen!” and “I believe overtly effeminate dancing destroys the opportunity for many male dancers to be supported. Being gay doesn’t mean effeminate.”
Hm. Taking it a little personally, are we Nigel? and “I am passionate about dancers and dancing. I am not interested in their sexual preferences only their dancing and performances. Offstage ??”
Then, he made a crack about “Brokeback dancing” that he later had to apologize for, “I wholeheartedly apologize for my Brokeback Ballroom Tweet. It was insensitive, ignorant and stupid. I have upset a number of dear friends.” Nigel keeps sticking his foot in it!
GLADD released a statement. They aren’t very happy.
On a positive note, Nigel tweets “We have just chosen our Top 20 and informed them. Excellent dancers, exciting prospects and a few risks!!?”
Spoilers anyone?
See the same-sex ballroom dancers, Mish and Mitch dance, after the JUMP..
