By Stone Martindale Mar 7, 2007, 23:30 GMT
"The View" Rosie O'Donnell, finally at rest with Donald Trump, has come out against "American Idol" on her show, saying that "Idol" fired former contestant Frenchie Davis for her breast-baring snapshots, but kept current Idol contestant Antonella Barba despite her nasty photos, because Davis is black and fat and Barba is white and skinny.
Nigel Lythgoe - Los Angeles, CA © Scott Alan / Photorazzi
"It's weightist and wacist," said Rosie. TMZ now reports executive producer of "Idol", Nigel Lythgoe, has released a statement in response to criticism made against the show by O'Donnell:
"Without wishing to add to the obvious self-promotion of Ms. O'Donnell, I feel as though I must refute her absurd and ridiculous claims that 'American Idol' is racist and/or weightist.
"Ms. O'Donnell has, once again, spoken without thought or knowledge. Viewers need only look at the show tonight to realize that 'American Idol' constantly confirms to America that talent has nothing to do with weight or color."
The "Idol" insiders tell TMZ the difference between the reactions over Frenchie and Antonella's photos were over the fact Frenchie was paid. Barba's were revealed against her wishes.
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