Johnny Weir banned from pro skate tour, not ‘family friendly’ another way of saying ‘too gay’?
After enduring insults from sports commentators at the 2010 Winter Olympics, skating star Johnny Weir is now facing a new snub inspired by his choice of attire – He’s apparently been banned by the Stars on Ice tour.
The 25-year old skater finished sixth in Vancouver with a new personal best score of 238.87 points. But even this, plus the huge public acclaim and affection inspired by his skills are apparently not enough to convince those in charge of the tour to add him to the show.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) claim they have learned from a source inside the organization that the sponsors – which include Smuckers and IMG Entertainment – refused to allow the 3-time US National Champion and two-time Olympian to be part of the tour because he is ‘not family friendly.’
But Johnny has managed to take this new affront in his stride. A statement on his official website puts a quite different spin on his absence;
“I have decided it is not advantageous to partake in the World Championships in Torino, Italy.” he writes. “While I understand the importance of competition, I feel that a short break would be beneficial to me…. I can assure everyone I will be re-energized after I’ve had time to rework my technique.”
No mention of grievance or upset. No lawsuits or threats of revenge. The man’s been insulted – again – and he still answers with class.
But Johnny’s army of fans are not taking the news quite so well – The Huff Post says an online petition has already been started, urging those in charge of the tour to add Johnny to the cast and dispel all the rumors.
5,300 people have already signed.
The tour itself – featuring Olympic gold medalist, Evan Lysacek – begins on April 1st in Fort Myers, Florida and covers 40 cities across the United States, closing in Portland Oregon on May 30th.
So who here would vote for Johnny to join?…
