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PiscesJohnny Weir Not 'Family-Friendly' Enough?
Is it inappropriate for flamboyant Olympic ice skater and reality-television star Johnny Weir to perform for family audiences? The sponsors of "Stars on Ice" apparently think so.
momlogic's Gillian: According to a post on GLAAD's site, the gay-rights organization has learned that two-time Olympian Johnny Weir will not be performing on the upcoming "Stars on Ice" tour because the show's sponsors think he's "not family-friendly."
Weir, known for his flamboyant style and showy costumes, placed sixth overall in Vancouver and is currently starring in his own show, "Be Good Johnny Weir." While he has never publicly discussed his sexual orientation, his style and charisma have garnered him many fans around the world, including those in the gay community.
The blog points out the hypocrisy of calling him "not family-friendly." He is very close to his own family, and is even putting his own brother through college. His father is unable to work due to a disability, so the skater supports them all.
Weir recently announced that he would not be competing in the upcoming World Championships because, as he put it, he needs to "rework his technique." Johnny has been targeted by critics because of his flashy style, but he has the goods to back it up. His showing in Vancouver proved this.
Come ON. This is MEN'S FIGURE SKATING. Sequins and tight pants are the norm. Heck, gold medalist Evan Lysacek wore FEATHERS when he won the gold -- and now he's on "Dancing with the Stars!" If the guy is good enough to kill it at the Olympics, he should be able to perform for the thousands of fans around the world who are addicted to artistry on the ice. What he does off the ice -- something he has NEVER talked about -- is none of anyone's business. It is clearly not about performance. If it was, would Jeremy Abbott be on the tour? He placed ninth in Vancouver!
Stars on Ice issued a non-statement that says, in part, "While Stars on Ice wishes it could accommodate many more talented skaters as part of our cast, the fact is we cannot sign every skater." Again, if you wanted to fill seats and make money, it's Weir over Abbott any day. I'm not buying it.
Let the guy skate.
Vancouver Winter Olympics Fashions
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If they would’ve left him out because he didn’t place higher in Vancouver, I could see it. But saying he’s not “family friendly” is just prejudice, pure and simple. Only way I’d go is if he WERE going to be in the show, so there’s my family not buying tickets when it inevitably comes to my town soon.
People who are afraid of gay men generally don’t watch Figure Skating… .
Did they have a problem with Rudy Galindo? Nope, I’ve seen him on the tours, but it might have been different sponsors. He was the most entertaining of the bunch. I usually go to these events every year because they always come to Seattle, but I won’t go anymore.
That sport relies on controversy for attention and revenue. No one paid much attention until Tanya & Nancy.
If he’s good enough to skate for his country in the Olympic Games, he’s good enough to skate in their little ice show. Let us decide for ourselves what “family friendly” means. He’s very professoinal on ice from what I’ve seen and very entertaining. It’s too bad they can’t see that.
You know, it’s not an issue of his sexuality..it’s an issue of him being gross. I know and like many gay men but I have to say…sometimes the way they act makes me want to vomit. And yes, I do tell them that. You can be as gay as you like, just act like a normal decent human being, not a horn dog.
SOI should shame themselves. I’ve been following skating for years and Johnny Weir is fabulous. Family-friendly—give me a break. For shame on them!
No one has so far provided any evidence that a sponsor ever said Johnny wasn’t “family-friendly.” As far as I know, this is a rumor, fans speculating about why Johnny isn’t on the tour, and nothing more. Everyone is quoting an anonymous source - not great journalism.
Even if the sponsor really said it, might it not have more to do with Johnny’s TV show than his sexual orientation? I like the show, but it isn’t really appropriate for young children. He swears, goes around nearly naked, and does this sort of thing:
It’s so rare to stumble upon a websites with data you are looking for. I was in some need to write in my site something like that.
Great article. Good and fun reading. There is a thing to offer about funny t-shirts.
Sign the petition to get Johnny onto SOI! We’re trying to get 10,000 by Monday! http://www.gopetition.com/online/34546.html
Tara, Johnny’s agent is supportive of this and is urging us on!