Gossip
LYTHGOE APOLOGISES FOR 'BROKEBACK BALLROOM' COMMENT
Reality TV judge Nigel Lythgoe has apologised for comments he made about a same sex dance couple on US TV talent show So You Think You Can Dance.
US Magazine.com reports that the British judge, who appears on the show hosted by Cat
Deeley, sparked outrage with his comments to male partners Misha Belfer
and Mitchel Kibel during Thursday night's contest.
"I think you
will probably alienate a lot of our audience," he said. "We've always
had the guys dance together on the show, but they've never really done
it in each other's arms before."
He then followed up his comments
on his Twitter page, by writing: "The same sex ballroom guys did remind
me of Blades of Glory. However, I'm not a fan of Brokeback Ballroom."
Nigel has now apologised for his comments after a complaint from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
"I
sincerely regret the fact that I have upset people with the poor word
choices and comments I made both during the taping of the So You Think
You Can Dance audition and on my personal status update," he said.
"I am not homophobic and it was extremely upsetting to be classed as such.
"I have been a dancer, and involved in the dance world for nearly 50 years," he added.
"Professionally
and personally I believe the sexual orientation of an auditioner or
contestant is irrelevant. All that said, the fact I have
unintentionally upset people is distressing to me and it is obvious I
have made mistakes that I must learn from. I trust that my humour will
be more sensitive and mindful moving forward."