GLAAD Supports Then Questions ABC over Lambert

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation issued a statement Thursday about ABC's decision to bar entertainer Adam Lambert from the network, accepting ABC's explanation that Lambert was not being punished for being gay. However, in an update, GLAAD clarified its stance and asked for further information from the network.

GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios said initially that the network had noted it was caught "off guard" by Lambert's controversial performance at the American Music Awards. ABC further told GLAAD, "This is not a question of Lambert's sexual orientation. As is evidenced by GLAAD's media report card, ABC is at the forefront of positive gay and lesbian portrayal on television. We welcome openly gay performers and look forward to continuing our great work within the LGBT community." Barrios appeared satisfied with ABC's explanation and applauded ABC's gay-friendly programming.

The update, however, emphasized that Barrios was disappointed that Lambert would not be able to perform on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve or Jimmy Kimmel Live!

"GLAAD's discussions with ABC focused on confirming that his sexual orientation was not a factor in their decisions," the statement added. "ABC confirmed this is not about a same-sex kiss or his sexual orientation but about being 'caught off guard.' GLAAD asked ABC and calls on them for clarification on 'caught off guard' so that the community knows why Lambert is being denied the opportunity to perform on the network."

Lambert said Wednesday night that he was barred from the two shows on ABC because of pressure from the Federal Communications Commission.

UPDATE: GLAAD issued another statement on Friday afternoon, asking for viewers to express their discontent with Lambert being removed from the scheduled programs.

"We appreciate ABC's commitment to gay and transgender inclusion in other programming," Barrios said. "However, let us be clear that GLAAD remains steadfast in our assertion that Adam Lambert is being subjected to a double standard by ABC as an openly gay performer. We do not support ABC cancelling Adam Lambert's past and future performances. We urge the community to reach out to ABC and express their concerns that Adam Lambert is being subjected to a double standard."

ABC Contact Information:
Brad Jamison, Vice President of Corporate Communications, brad.jamison@abc.com
ABC line for viewer concerns: (818) 460-7477

This week ABC announced that Adam Lambert's performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve were cancelled.

Patrick Preblick, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, Publicity: patrick.k.preblick@abc.com / (212) 456-7819
Aime Wolfe, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Publicity: edwin.escobar@abc.com / (818) 460-7758