"Stars on Ice" Denies Claims They Rejected Flamboyant Ice Skating Champ Johnny Weir Because He's "Not Family Friendly"
March 12 2010, Published 4:56 a.m. ET
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.
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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. “
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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.
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."
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Fans have created an online petition to encourage Stars On Ice to reconsider and let him join the tour.
