After these discussions ABC issued the following statement to GLAAD:
"Given the live nature of the American Music Awards, Adam Lambert’s performance, which differed greatly from his rehearsal, caught many, including the network, off guard. This is not a question of Lambert’s sexual orientation. As is evidenced by GLAAD’s media report card, ABC is at the forefront of positive gay and lesbian portrayal on television. We welcome openly gay performers and look forward to continuing our great work within the LGBT community."
“It would appear that the kiss between Adam Lambert and his keyboardist did not factor into ABC’s decision,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “ABC has a history of positive gay and transgender inclusion that includes featuring kisses between gay and lesbian couples on-air.”
“We applaud the visibility of openly gay performers and congratulate Adam Lambert for sharing his story on the Ellen DeGeneres Show this week as well as his upcoming appearance on The Jay Leno Show,” Barrios said.
I am very dismayed that GLAAD is letting this issue rest based on that comment from ABC. The claim that homophobia was not a part of this decision is blatantly false, the FCC complaint filed by The Liberty Council regarding Lambert's performance specifically references "homosexual open-mouth kissing" and "homosexual conduct" as reasons the performance should be considered obscene and indecent.
ReplyDeleteLink to the original complaint filed with the FCC:http://www.lc.org/media/9980/attachments/ltr_fcc_complaint_obscenity_112409.pdf