"Stars on Ice" Denies Claims They Rejected Flamboyant Ice Skating Champ Johnny Weir Because He's "Not Family Friendly"
Posted on Mar 12, 2010 @ 01:56PM
Johnny Weir is a three time national champ in figure skating and came in 6th at the 2010 Winter Olympics, but RadarOnline.com has learned he won’t be included in the Stars On Ice Tour.
VIDEO: Lindsay Vonn Puts Olympic Gold Celebration on Ice
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) says he was rejected because he’s “not family friendly.”
Johnny Weir spoke to Access Hollywood on Friday morning and said “It is for real…"I've never been invited to do Star on Ice before, which is the only figure skating tour in the U.S., and it's disappointing that I can't perform for my American fans… all because I'm not 'family friendly' enough."
But Stars on Ice has responded to GLAAD and released a statement to RadarOnline.com saying “We are disappointed that there is untrue and inaccurate information being disseminated. “
Kate Gosselin and Johnny Weir at Stars, Stripes And Skates
On their blog, GLAAD writes:
“To say that Weir is ‘not family friendly’ would be a clear jab at his perceived sexual orientation. Weir is extremely involved with his family. He is putting his younger brother through college, and supports the family financially because his father’s disability prohibits him from working.”
The blog went on to say “Weir’s performance and costume style is sometimes considered flashier than those of other skaters, leading to questions about his perceived sexual orientation. While Weir has not officially announced his sexual orientation, he has garnered a significant amount of LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) fans.”
Weir tells Access Hollywood, "I totally understand that I am a little outrageous in some ways… I'm a little un-P.C., but I really wish I had the chance to perform for the American fans.”
The Stars On Ice statements says “Please be assured that the ‘gender identity and sexual’ orientation of cast members has never been a consideration in the selection of tour performers. Stars on Ice recognizes Johnny Weir is a talented athlete and we appreciate the contributions he has made to the international figure skating community throughout his career.”
The current cast of the Stars on Ice tour includes Olympic Gold medalist Evan Lysacek and the current U.S. National Champion, Jeremy Abbott.
“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,” the statement went on to say.
PHOTOS: Michael Lohan and Kate Major Go Ice Skating
While Johnny still wants to perform with Stars on Ice, he tells Billy Bush he has a Plan B "Maybe right now, just artistically and creatively, I'd love to have my own show and my own tour and involve some big musical acts, like maybe getting Lady Gaga" he said, explaining that if he found sponsors he would create an all-inclusive event. "Nobody would be too un-family friendly for my show."
Fans have created an online petition to encourage Stars On Ice to reconsider and let him join the tour.
- Navy Honors Gabby Giffords, Names A Ship After The Former Congresswoman — Huffington Post
- Eight More Journalists Arrested At Rupert Murdoch Tabloid In Phone Hacking Scandal — Huffington Post
- Blue Ivy Carter Makes Her Official Debut — The Frisky
- Craziest Rock 'N Roll Tour Rider Demands Ever — Bossip
- Taylor Lautner Turns 20 — Celebuzz
- Angelina Jolie Takes The Little Black Dress In A New Direction — Celebuzz
- Click Here & Join Our Facebook Page — Facebook
Feb 01, 2012 @ 15:30
Evan L is gay so that can't be the reason. Unless he won't blow the judges..
Posted Wed, 12/08/2010 - 2:40pm
My biggest gripe with Johnny was his speaking Russian. Stars on Ice never rejected Brian Boitano. However, I never did like Rudy Galindo's skating either.
Posted Mon, 03/15/2010 - 10:24am
SOI isn't stupid. They know where they get money and support. OTOH, I wouldn't put it past SOI to sign a contract with, say Evan L (who openly dislikes JW), that says "no JW on the ice".It happens all the time. Just a thought...
Posted Sun, 03/14/2010 - 9:32am
Rejected because he's "not family friendly", because he's gay and flamboyant? Ridiculous. C'mon, it's 2010; kids know about gays. And, it's ice dancing: one of the gayest sports around. Who do they think they're fooling?
Posted Sun, 03/14/2010 - 8:12am
@Bjan: i totally agree with you. Ellen is a wonderful person. If i were a gay guy, i wouldn't find JW appealing at all. I would just go get a woman. JW makes men and women look trashy and stupid.
Posted Sat, 03/13/2010 - 3:51pm
Is it just me or does this look like Pee Wee Herman?
Posted Sat, 03/13/2010 - 5:25am
I LOVE Johnny Weir. His short program was FAR more entertaining then the closeted Evan Lysecek or whatever. Johnny Rocks!!!!!!! I'll go see him any day. SOI has always had NON medalists in their ranks!
Posted Fri, 03/12/2010 - 10:35pm
So he's not a gold medalist, but he expects to be invited to join SOI just because he wants to be? Sorry, but that seems like a bit of an ego trip to me.
Posted Fri, 03/12/2010 - 5:57pm
this "guy" is disgusting. It is so sad that he is not comfortable in his own skin that he has to pretned to be a woman.
Posted Fri, 03/12/2010 - 5:00pm
It is so sad that you are such an ignorant idiot.
Posted Fri, 03/12/2010 - 5:54pm