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Rosie Slams “American Idol“
8-Mar-2007
Written by: Jess Boettger
Talk show host levels accusations of sexism, racism, weightism against Idol.
Rosie O’Donnell has joined the ranks of those crying “foul” for American Idol’s approach to the recent Antonella Barba scandal, in which risqué pics of the Idol-contestant have surfaced on the Internet. O’Donnell has leveled accusations of sexism, racism, and weightism against the show, which prompted a response from executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe. Lythgoe called O’Donnell’s accusations “absurd” and “ridiculous,” and refused to aid O’Donnell in her “obvious self-promotion.”
The View co-host, Barbara Walters, avoided taking up sides, calling Rosie’s comments “very strong accusations,” but saying also that “Rosie’s opinions are Rosie’s opinions.”
The photo scandal prompted Idol hosts, Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell, to jump to the photogenic Barba’s defense. So far, the show has not taken any action against Barba, whereas ex-Idol contestant, Frenchie Davis, was booted for a similar scandal in Season 2. The difference, show officials say, is that Davis was paid, and Barba wasn’t.
Problem is, Davis doesn’t accept this explanation, and wants a better one. It doesn’t look like she’s going to get her wish, though. Idol officials have stated that they have no desire to dredge up the past, for Davis’ sake, as well as the show’s.
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