Nigel Lythgoe angers GLAAD Twitter police over SYTYCD comments

By April MacIntyre May 24, 2009, 17:30 GMT

05/08/2009 - Nigel Lythgoe - probably regrets having Twitter account © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

People enamored of Twitter should read this carefully, as the comments tossed out there so casually for friends and anyone with a computer to see can set you up for legal problems or a public thrashing in the media.

Nigel Lythgoe made comments after a pair of male ballroom dancer's performance on the series, "So You Think You Can Dance," and then Twittered  a comment about the dancers.  The gay rights group GLAAD came down on him hard, along with blogger Perez Hilton who calls him a "Homo Hater," and says on his blog that he "can't undo the damage that has been done."

It was the performance by Misha Belfer and Mitchel Kibel's samba that had Lythgoe saying that their performance may have "alienated" the audience.  "We've always had the guys dance together on the show, but they've never really done it in each other's arms before. I'd like to see you both dancing with a girl."

The damage was caused by these Twittered remarks:

"I hear I'm taking a beating on the web due to my comments regarding same sex ballroom I thought I was the most accepting of it on the panel?

The same sex ballroom guys did remind me of "Blades of Glory." However, I'm not a fan of 'Brokeback' Ballroom.

I am very sad the word 'homophobe' is being used. That is someone who hates homosexuals. I dislike effeminate dancing! Wake up and listen!

I believe overtly effeminate dancing destroys the opportunity for many male dancers to be supported. Being gay doesn't mean effeminate.

We have had same sex dancing on SYTYCD from Season 1. Last year Joshua and Twitch. Before that Mia's Prince's routine with Danny and Neil.

I am passionate about dancers and dancing. I am not interested in their sexual preferences only their dancing and performances. Offstage ??

Later, Lythgoe Twittered:

"I sincerely regret the fact that I have upset people with the poor word choices and comments I made both during the taping of the So You Think You Can Dance audition and on my personal status update," said Lythgoe. "I am not homophobic and it was extremely upsetting for me to be classed as such."

"I wholeheartedly apologize for my Brokeback Ballroom Tweet. It was insensitive, ignorant and stupid. I have upset a number of dear friends."

Lythgoe released statements explaining his actions and took responsibility, stating, "I believe the sexual orientation of an auditioner or contestant is irrelevant. The fact that I have unintentionally upset people is distressing to me and it is obvious I have made mistakes that I must learn from. I trust that my humor will be more sensitive and mindful moving forward."

GLAAD president Neil G. Giuliano's statement: "We certainly appreciate the dialogue and the opportunity for Nigel to help further educate people about how words and images matter," said Giuliano. "His sincere words are appreciated."

Question of the day: Was GLAAD overly sensitive to the 'Brokeback' reference, or was Lythgoe in the wrong?  Talk Back with your opinion.