Complaint Filed Against Antigay Sportscasters

JOHNNY WEIR ROSES X390 (GETTY) | ADVOCATE.COM

A Canadian gay rights organization is filing a complaint against a French-language sports network after two commentators made homophobic comments regarding U.S. figure skater Johnny Weir.

The Quebec Council of Gays and Lesbians is demanding an apology from sportscasters Claude Mailhot and Alain Goldberg of the RDS network, who said Weir's flamboyant style "sets a bad example" for young boys, according to the Canadian Press.

Though the pair offered an on-air apology for their comments, Steve Foster, president of the council, said it was not enough. They apologized only for mocking his appearance and not for statements regarding his masculinity or saying he should compete as a woman.

However, when Foster went to RDS demanding an apology, his organization was told there wouldn't be one. Now, the Council of Gays and Lesbians is planning to send an official complaint to the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, an independent body that administers on-air standards.

Goldberg, who said Weir was a bad example for young male skaters, also mentioned South African runner Caster Semenya, who was forced to undergo gender testing after her surprising win in the 2009 track and field world championships in the 800-meter race.

"We should make [Weir] pass a gender test at this point," he said. Mailhot added that Weir should compete in the women's events.

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Reader Comments

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Name: Gabe
Date posted: 2/24/2010 5:34:38 PM
Hometown: Atlanta

Comment:
Well, poor Johnny, bless his heart. We can all surely agree to disagree before somebody lets their little ol' alligator mouth overload their hummin'bird ass. I do not believe that it has been stated anywhere that Evan is gay, however, he had a ring on his right ring finger, which means nothing. He is pretty, which means nothing. He wears Vera Wang and Christian Dior on the ice, which means nothing. He takes acting lessons in Beverly Hills, which means nothing. He does charity work for Children with AIDS, which means nothing. He chose figure skating over hockey as a child skater, which means nothing. Here in Atlanta, a newscaster had an interview with him (his grands live in Marietta, a suburb here). Afterward, the newscaster mentioned that he had spoken to the parents of figure skater Tanith Belbin (also local) about Evan since he and Tanith used to date. Regarding that period of time, her parents told the newscaster to "forget about it," which means nothing. However, taken together...
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Name: Vic
Date posted: 2/24/2010 2:31:58 AM
Hometown: Vancouver, BC

Comment:
Butch gays hating flaming gays, queens hating closeted gays, gays hating married lesbians, conservative gays hating straight gays, democratic homophobic straight hating liberal straight Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie... As a Canadian, I am proud to be from a country that accepts and legalized gay marriage and from the city of Vancouver which is hosting the Olympics, which by the way is about unity and tolerance of all people, from all backgrounds. We are all human beings and deserve to be treated and respected as such. I wish you all could be here right now to feel the amazing positive and loving energy brought about by these Olympic games. Cheers!
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Name: steven
Date posted: 2/23/2010 2:58:58 PM
Hometown: toronto

Comment:
im so glad your making this article about me....once again...if you act like a girl...you deserve to be treated like a girl...when you act out on something...be willing to take the consequences...don't be upset with me...its just the way it is...enough said.
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Name: dave
Date posted: 2/23/2010 2:26:08 PM
Hometown: DC

Comment:
Steve from Toronto. Come to D.C. and let this girly faggot kick your lousy ass. I bet with one swish I could take your punk ass down. Fuckin' stereotypical machismo makes me puke. Maybe one day the fags who pass for straight can be freed and tell the rest of us how good it is. Pansy ass Canuck!
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Name: Ishaq
Date posted: 2/23/2010 2:07:45 PM
Hometown: Philadelphia

Comment:
Sounds like there's a bit of self loathing there Steve. Saying Weir deserved these comments because he acts like a fag, while you're also a gay man, embarrasses me! Time to check your inner-homophobia and pseudo hyper-masculinity at the door.
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Name: Steven
Date posted: 2/23/2010 1:06:54 PM
Hometown: toronto

Comment:
Dear Rich...Im just sick and tired of screaming queens acting out for attention...and when it fires back they need too cry...gay bashing...thanks for your comment though.
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Name: Steve
Date posted: 2/23/2010 11:39:31 AM
Hometown: Toronto

Comment:
I am a gay guy...and one thing is certain...if you act like a fag you will be treated like a fag...i dont feel sorry for this guy...he got what he deserved...and I dont understand why anyone is shocked...he does not deserve an apology...ALSO...when stuff like this happens I am embarrassed to be gay.
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Name: Carol
Date posted: 2/23/2010 10:49:39 AM
Hometown: Atlanta

Comment:
I bet you aren't pretty either Bobby. Why don't you go to some other site and spill your hatred?
Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
Name: Bobby
Date posted: 2/23/2010 9:55:45 AM
Hometown: Miami

Comment:
Oh Michael, I guess you've never met a homophobic democrat in your life. I have, and it ain't pretty.
Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
Name: Michael
Date posted: 2/23/2010 9:34:25 AM
Hometown: WV

Comment:
Anyone who claims CPAC was not a right-wing religious conference is a liar. May I remind you what was said at CPAC? From "Young Americans for Freedom": "I want to condemn CPAC for bringing GOProud to this event! (loud booing) I love it. I love it. Guess what. Guess what. Alright. Civil rights are granted in natural rights. Natural rights are granted in human nature. Human nature is a rational substance in relationship. The intelligible end of reproductive act is reproduction. Do you understand that? Civil rights when they conflict with natural rights are (yelling) No YOU sit down. The lesbians at Smith College protest better than you do. The lesbians at Smith College protest better than you do. Alright? Bring it. Jeff Frazee, guess what, you just made an enemy out of me, buddy. Yeah you, guess what. YOU just made an enemy out of me, thanks a lot. " How very "libertarian" of them! Do not be fooled; the right-wing will always be the homophobic wing.

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