“So You Think You Can Dance” Judge Apologizes
May 23, 2009 by Bryan
So You Think You Can Dance judge Nigel Lythgoe issues an apology for homophobic comments made during the show last week.
His apology:
“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. I am not homophobic and it was extremely upsetting for me to be classed as such.
I have been forthright and consistent with my opinion, as a judge, that professional male dancers should move with strength and agility — like Gene Kelly and Rudolph Nureyev. I now realize how this could be misconstrued.
I have been a dancer, and involved in the dance world, for nearly 50 years. Professionally and personally, I believe the sexual orientation of an auditioner or contestant is irrelevant. All that said, the fact that 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 humor will be more sensitive and mindful moving forward.”
Nigel Lythgoe, judge and executive producer, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
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Nigel iis always uncomfortable with guys who may not act masculine. Whether they are gay or straight. He just has a problem with it. Could be because he was/is effeminate himself and was teased when he was young. I do not think he was specifically bashing gay guys, I think he is just worried about the perception that all male dancers are gay, as he use to be a dancer himself. Nigel just has his own issues. I do not consider that gay bashing as much as it is insecurity.