Ice tour denies snubbing Johnny Weir over sexual orientation

[ibegurpard]

Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- American figure skater Johnny Weir says he doesn't understand why the only ice skating tour in the United States doesn't want him.
"I'm not going to get on the ice and strip down naked and roll around," said Wier, a three-time U.S. ice skating champion.
Weir keeps his sexuality private, but his flamboyant costumes and routines at the Winter Olympics in February drew comments about his lack of masculinity.
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination (GLAAD) launched a protest against the Stars on Ice tour, claiming Weir's rejection was because he was deemed "not family friendly."
The tour and its biggest sponsor, Smucker's, said GLAAD had "inaccurate information" and its show just didn't have room for Weir. (more)
http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/03/12/weir.tour.snub/index.html?hpt=T2

drew comments about his lack of masculinity? I'm sorry but figure-skating doesn't fit the traditional mold of what is considered masculine in this country anyway so why the fuck is that even an issue? who fucking cares?

[hyphenate]

1. That's a pile of BS

on Weir's part, IMHO. There have been gays in the ice skating tours for MANY years now, and they have all been skating in the pro tours. Brian Boitano, for example, never really hid his sexuality, and there was a skater from L.A. who also was gay, and who was never shy about his sexuality. Weir is either trying to make a non-issue an issue, or he's pissed because he wasn't asked. I'd name more, but it's 2:45 in the morning, and my brain has slowed down.

[WinkyDink]

3. Name a gay skater on the SMUCKERS tour. You can't. Or did you not read the part

that states THIS IS "the only ice skating tour in the United States"?

[Touchdown]

5. Oh' please! You can't even say Smuckers without a lisp.

:evilgrin:

[Electric Monk]

6. Some male figure skaters are gay? Whoda thunk it?

No way, gag me with a spoon...

[Electric Monk]

7. Not that there's anything wrong with that. nt

[avaistheone1]

4. Rudy Galindo is gay and went on professional tour.

Rudy" Galindo (born September 7, 1969 in San Jose, California) is an American figure skater who competed in both single skating and pair skating. As a single skater, he is the 1996 U.S. national champion and 1987 World Junior Champion. As a pairs skater, he competed with Kristi Yamaguchi and was the 1988 World Junior Champion and the 1989 & 1990 U.S. National Champion.

http://www.rudy-galindo.com/

[hyphenate]

8. Yes, it was Rudy

Sorry I couldn't remember his name. Thank you.

[Berry Cool]

15. But he's not from LA, he's from San Jose.

And Brian Boitano, as far as I'm concerned, has been anything but open. At least years ago, he was always talking about how he wanted to find some nice girl to marry. Talk about closeted.

[pipoman]

14. I thought that when he was mayor of NYC...

[Touchdown]

2. AH! Wait! Johnny Weir is.... umm. gay?

:wow:

Next you'll be telling me this guy is...

[eShirl]

10. /throws bucket of confetti on Touchdown

[eShirl]

9. "its show just didn't have room for Weir."

Oh please! No room for the latest hot Olympics skater?


As if!



Smuckers can smuck off.

[SidDithers]

17. Weir finished 6th...

apparently there are at least 5 later hotter Olypmpics skaters.

Sid

[Myrina]

11. I am a fan of Weir but let's face it ...

... he is known for being unpredictable and difficult, not to mention being all over the map in performance. Remember his 'attitude' before the Torino Olympics - kept his sunglasses on, wouldn't talk to media etc ? I'm sure the Smuckers Tour just really didn't want to open themselves up to those personality swings on the road, especially with so many other skaters traveling together who would have to deal with a "Weir moment".

[madrchsod]

12. i think that`s reason enough to make them not invite him...

hell 95% of the people who would go knows he`s gay. they just want to see him perform.

maybe he does`t need the money.

[Darth_Kitten]

13. They can't hire everybody.....geez.

Win an Olympic and/or World Medal and then your stock would rise. :)

[Berry Cool]

16. Given the Rudy Galindo thing especially, this story is smelling fishier and fishier to me.

I'm wondering if maybe it wasn't just planted by somebody in an attempt to make Johnny even more popular than he already is by stirring up anti-homophobic outrage.