After the discussion about whether it was a double standard for ABC to cancel an appearance by American Idol alum Adam Lambert after a racy performance at the AMAs last month, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) issued a statement earlier today that seemed to side with the network’s decisions about pulling his appearances. (A performance on the network’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! was also scuttled earlier this week.) “It would appear that the kiss between Adam Lambert and his keyboardist did not factor into ABC’s decision,” said Jarrett Barrios, GLAAD president, in that early statement. “ABC has a history of positive gay and transgender inclusion that includes featuring kisses between gay and lesbian couples on-air. We applaud the visibility of openly gay performers and congratulate Adam Lambert for sharing his story on The Ellen DeGeneres Show this week as well as his upcoming appearance on The Jay Leno Show.
But then later this afternoon, the organization sought to clarify that early statement. In the later statement, received by EW.com at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Barrios said: “We appreciate ABC’s commitment to gay and transgender inclusion in other programming. 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.”
When GLAAD originally approached the network about whether the Lambert situation was a double standard, ABC issued this statement: “Given the live nature of the American Music Awards, Adam Lambert’s performance, which differed greatly from his rehearsal, caught many, including the network, off guard. 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.”
Umm, what’s going on behind the scenes here?!? Even the hags on The View felt that their own network was being a little unfair to Lambert. Stay tuned…
Lambert chose shock over quality. Now if he let them in on what he was going to do, that’s a different matter. I also think he’s forgotten that he’s in the real world(he’s not in the AI universe anymore)and is an unproven entity. If he were a Madonna, a Pink, a Kanye, the network’s reaction would probably have been different. The only problem I had with him was that the song and his vocals sucked. Clearly he concentrated on the wrong aspect of his performance.
Um, hasn’t anyone been paying attention??? Even Adam has said that he understands why ABC has chosen to cancel his performances and has even said that it’s their right to make those decisions. He has said that he understands that it’s his fault because he changed his performance and he isn’t blaming this on “the kiss” – he knows it’s because he changed his choreography. He has pointed out the double standard that exists – and it does exist – but he isn’t blaming this on that. The only people blaming this on the kiss or homophobia is the conservative freaks that troll these boards and the rabid fans that aren’t listening to what Adam is saying.
As for his sales – of course they went down – anyone with half a brain would know that they would. I am guessing Susan Boyle isn’t going to be selling 700k copies this week either. However I do feel the need to point out that he has still sold more than Kris Allen.
Well said – style over substance from someone who is unproven as far as the actual industry is concerned.
I couldn’t agree more… the only shock elements of the performance were the lame song and the bad singing. He proved that he’s still a chorus boy/game show hopeful.
Any reasonable person would agree with everything you said, especially the fact that he is no longer in the AI universe. The real problem, besides the ones that Adam creates for himself, is his rabid, desperately loyal fans. The massive hype seems to be fueled by their creepy god complex of him.
Um – he didn’t win AI, Kris Allen did. Everyone thought he was going to but he didn’t. Just thought you should know the facts.
@kim
can you please link the finale of american idol you were watching? the one in which adam lambert won.
I agree he has the pipes, but he hasn’t been showing them off as well as he was on the show.
It was an amateur move on his part. He could have gotten away with the kiss, but the fake felatio was just plain stupid from a performance stand point. Not so much offensive to me, as it was almost desperate and out of synch. Anyway, this move by ABC certainly keeps him in the limelight a bit longer which is generally good for entertainers.
I will always be a hardcore Adam fan but even I did not like his performance on AMA. With that said I do not approve of the cancellations. ABC, what he did was wrong, he admitted that he went maybe alittle too far, but to try to ruin his career because of ONE mistake is wrong. I am sure you could have set down with Adam and the both of you could have come to some sort of agreement for future performances. Have it in writing if you must to assure Adam stuck by what YOU and HIM agreed upon. That would have been the mature thing to do……
Yeah when Pink simulated oral sex on tv for her 2004 Billboard Performance I never even heard about it… But her version was hetero even if the tongue was wagged freely for emphasizing for something that was clear as day.
Not that anyone will bother reading this, but GLAAD has since clairified:
“Since his American Music Awards performance occurred GLAAD has consistently advocated that Adam Lambert and openly gay artists not be held to a double standard. As we have expressed publicly, it is disappointing that ABC will not give Lambert a chance to perform at this time. GLAAD’s discussions with ABC focused on confirming that his sexual orientation was not a factor in their decisions. 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.”
Looks like it doesn’t matter what GLAAD thinks – because almost everyone wrote GLAAD off below, saying stuff like “GLAAD doesn’t matter” or GLAAD is irrelevant.
(see all other comments below)
GLAAD revised their statement again. It’s not just the sparkle cows that are mooing –it doesn’t matter if you like/hate Lambert. ABC pimped the performace like there was no tommorrow. Reports are coming in, that the “crotch plant” was pre-scripted, approved in advance, by ABC –the kiss, the finger, those are more relevent –but Liberty’s orginal complaint to the FCC sites homosexual kissing as being the main objection. ABC has been more or less “gay friendly” in the past. They could end this with the right statement, but choose not to.
Newest GLAAD statement
12/04/2009 at 4:16 pm :
GLAAD Urges Community to Contact ABC Over Cancellation
of Adam Lambert’s Performances
“We appreciate ABC’s commitment to gay and transgender inclusion in other programming,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. “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.”
I think that America’s Bigot Company, (ABC) has gone overboard and are using Adam Lambert as a “SCAPE GOAT”!! The Ladies of THE VIEW as Toronto Tom indicated did think that ABC has gone overboard with this and Jimmy Kimmel and New Years Rockin Eve are on Late night and he should be allowed to perform which I totally agree with them. Barbara Walters has already invited Adam to come on THE VIEW so will America’s Bigot Channel (ABC) tell Barbara No??? We shall wait and see. I don’t think Adam did anything wrong and I support him 1 million percent and I will continue to support him. By the way if you have not purchased For Your Entertainment, get it one of the best CD’s of 2009. These are just my opinions.
You are a complete moron. What does it take to make you see that your hero is a zero? Even GLAAD can see that. But you and all the other dillusional fans will continue to ignore the fact that Adam is just an imposter who is being exposed for the douchbag that he really is, and not the fantsy “rock god” that you envisioned.
First, is resorting to name calling really necessary? Second, for the record, GLAAD is not against Adam. They came out with a clarifying statement: Since his American Music Awards performance occurred GLAAD has consistently advocated that Adam Lambert and openly gay artists not be held to a double standard. As we have expressed publicly, it is disappointing that ABC will not give Lambert a chance to perform at this time. GLAAD’s discussions with ABC focused on confirming that his sexual orientation was not a factor in their decisions. 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.”
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/12/glaad-clarifies-its-position-regarding-adam-lambert-and-asks-abc-for-an-explanation.html
I am so cracking up at who you’re calling a moron! If I saw an article on a celeb I didn’t like, I wouldn’t even waste my time posting comments. Hate him or love him, Adam is the most talked about – the most intriguing guy out there right now and Barbara knows it. He has more vocal talent in his one pinky than most singers and the last thing I would do as a decent person is insult the fans of someone you dislike. How lame and ridiculous is that? I’ll be laughing with sheer delight as his CD and concert sales rise! Go ADAM! You don’t need ABC.. in the long run, they’ll need you!
Why do you call him a “douchebag”? What bad things has he done to other people in his life?
To be a fan consist of standing behind your artist, even when they make mistakes. Noone is perfect. YOU are not perfect, to name call and insult just proves the kind of person you are. You can’t even use a fake name or your real name. If you stand behind what you say, then be real enough to use a name. I am using my REAL name. I think Adam will survive this. ABC is making more of this than need to be. So are idiots like YOU who have nothing better to do then insult and use hatful words to get attention. You are pathetic!
I would hardly call ABC a “bigot”..the network that airs one of the biggest hits of the season, Modern Family.
In which the gay men are emasculated wimps whom no one can imagine ever having sex. Gay men on network television are safely neutered.
Relax. There is no conspiracy. You act like an entitled egomanic, and expect to receive a backlash. Pure and simple, in business terms, thats what happened to Lambert. He got a nice, sweet reality check.
Looks like Adam is royally EFFED – not only is ABC abandoning him, but even GLAAD isn’t taking Adam’s side.
To top it all off, Adam’s album is projected to sell *LESS THAN 50k UNITS* in it’s second week – which is a -75% NOSEDIVE from his first week sales
(for the record, Lady Gaga is projected to sell 80k in her second week, and even Rihanna – who undersold Adam – is projected to sell 50-55k)
Superstar in the making right here, folks….
(lol)
Well, ok. So he has a strong internal fanbase that carried first week sales really high. He still sold well, and will be fine.
If you can’t make it in the U.S., what makes you think they want you overseas? Adam has absolutely no credibility. Not only does he look like a loser who’s clinging on to a played-out persona, he’s letting the world know that he can’t be trusted. What he did to ABC was unforgiveable. He was dishonest with a network who hyped him beyond measure because he thinks that he’s bigger than the industry. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.
This is a response to @Mark, not Mark–Mark didn’t say “international,” he said “internal.” Perhaps you should read before firing out your thoughts. Also, I don’t think Adam was being intentionally subversive to ABC. His adrenaline was rushing and he went too far. I think we can all relate to that, unless you are the one perfect on the planet who has never once overracted or done something that did not come out as planned. Give the guy a break! Its one bad performance when he has many fantastic performances.
Gloating is in poor taste. Adam is not to blame here. I knew all aloong that he wasn’t the “amazing” rock god that his fans rabidly make him out to be. From the moment I saw him, I wondered why people were making such a big deal. He continues to rock the same out-dated look from day one, and his theatrical vocals are grating with an annoying feminie tone. I mean seriously, he looks and sounds like a joke. So why is eveybody surprised by his bad behavior and poor judgment calls? True Colors, that’s all I can say.
It’s funny, because just a few days ago (in those multi-thousand commented threads), people were literally yelling “OMG ADAM IS A SUPERSTAR WITH A HUGE FAN BASE AROUND THE WORLD”…….and now he can’t even sell 50,000 copies in his second week, during the X-mas season? How sad and pathetic is that.
what is “feminie”?? Good god, if you are going to put someone down at least spell it right.
@OMG – This isn’t a college thesis. It’s a comment/message board. Who cares if something is misspelled? Get a grip.
Hey Seth – I was asking what it meant and merely pointing out that if you are going to slam somebody or put them down it’s probably a good idea to spell it at least slightly right so that they will know or understand what you are calling them. Is that a good enough grip for you?
@OMG – If you can’t figure out that “feminie” was supposed to be “feminine”, you’re an idiot as that spelling was “slightly right”. The person that posted it merely left one letter out of the word. It happens. So no, that’s not good enough of a grip. It’s you making any excuse to try and tear someone else down that doesn’t agree with you. Not that it’s going to matter what I think to you.
Seth calm down dude. You are acting as bad as those you are talking about.
LOL, I don’t think it looks like Adam is royal EFFED. But I definitely think you may want to increase your meds or seek additional therapy because you aren’t right in the head!
Pot + Kettle=Black
Why? Do the facts bother you or something?
Standing up for your boyfriend? Aww, how sweet.
It’s still better than Kris Allen – just sayin…:-)
In what way is Adam’s album better than Kris Allen’s album? First of all, Kris has a much better tone to his voice. Second: Kris’ lyrics actually mean something, while Adam’s are superficial and meaningless. Third: Kris sings like a man, while Adam sings like a possessed drag queen.
@jm – I think OMG was most likely talking about sales, not the quality of the cd. (Although I could easily be wrong.) Quality is subjective. That being said, if OMG is saying Adam’s sales are better than Kris’s sales, it means very little. They’re both pretty poor – especially if Adam’s sales are predicted to drop 75% on the next chart like someone else said. Looks like neither will even hit gold status. I do agree with you, however, that Kris’s cd is superior to Adam’s – in my opinion anyway.
I was commenting on the poster above that was being critical of Adam’s second week sales totals.
JM its all good that you like Kris Allen, but you must admit his Cd is blah………bland…….Even people mag last week and this week has written great things about him. Don’t hate because Adam is everywhere and talked about (good or bad) and where is Kris? I sure don’t see him much anywhere……for an Idol winner that is really sad……
Forgot to mention it was ADAM that People Mag was talking great things about. It was written in last weeks mag in the music review section that People stated that was there any real surprise that Adam’s CD out did Kris……..so check it out if you don’t believe.
Do you ever fact check?
I don’t get it. I think it’s obvious ABC pulling Adam L’s spots is retaliatory. I guess the gray area is what they’re retaliating against him *for*. Are they equating this on-air kiss and simulated fellatio to the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake incident where Justin popped Janet’s boob?
You don’t get it, do you? Adam is a douchbag. Douchbags tend to care only about themselves, so they do very douchy things. So please, stop trying to find reasons to defend him, because what he did speaks volumes. What’s being done to him is appropriate and well deserved. We don’t owe Adam anything, he owes us.
You are so wrong. Saying it over and over in many different screen names doesn’t make your point valid.
Is this comment in defense of a clown? You like clowns don’t you? You will do or say anything to show your loyalty and support for them. In this world, we laugh at clowns and don’t take them seriously. Think about this.
Oh, @Troll, you’re just going to have to learn to live with the fact that Adam’s moved on. Get a grip, honey. You’re not the first person ever to get dumped by a rising star. Give Cynthia Lennon a call; I’m sure the two of you will have a lot to talk about.
“Even the hags on the View felt that their own network was being a little unfair to Lambert.”
“Even”? As if that would be unexpected from them? It seems absolutely consistent with their political philosophy they proselytize in every episode.
GLAAD is receiving a lot of flak from the gay community over this statement. It has proven itself to be spineless and useless, which is something most gays already knew about GLAAD.
GLAAD supported “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.” ‘Nuff said.
That movie was awful and I wasted 19.99 on it before I even saw it!
It’s a world conspiracy against Adam Lambert.
GLAAD has long been the target of criticism by many within the gay community. Often it seems like it solely exists to validate the entertainment industry.
Pauline, shut it. seriously, i highly doubt you know anything about the gay community. keep your glambert opinions out of adult conversations
MY NAME IS PAULIE, NOT PAULINE YOU HOMOPHOBE.
I agree – did I miss the interview with Adam where he was waiting on pins and needles for GLAAD to weigh in on this subject? GLAAD is entitled to their opinion but that doesn’t change anything – they are not the be-all end-all of the gay community. In fact, they have spoken out about many issues where I didn’t agree with what they were selling. I will be so happy when the world realizes that not all gays and lesbians think and feel the exact same way. I know this will come as a shock to many, but we are just like straight people that way.
Wasn’t there simulated oral sex in this performance? I did not see it, but if there was I don’t understand why people are making such a big deal about him getting punished for it, he should be! That is crossing a line Britney/Janet/Justin never crossed.
Pink did the same thing (grabbed head pushed into fully covered crotch) on the Billboard awards in 2004. Glee did a very racy “Push It” that simulated oral. I’m not saying he didn’t sing poorly (which he has acknowledged), but to yank his future non-primetime performances just seems a bit extreme.
Karen..the Pink argument is invalid and has been debunked. Her performance was NOT live and FOX edited/censored it when it actually aired on TV. The difference here is that Adam WAS live and went off script…obviously p*ssing off execs at ABC. You can hardly blame them.
Pink went off script too, the only difference is that the censors were quicker to react. Really, it’s not much different at all.
Actually the Pink episode WAS different because it was not live and as such the network had the opportunity to edit it.
I can’t believe that ABC is bragging about their GLAAD report card. I thought that the point of those was to shame all the networks for how horrible a job they were doing. ABC is like, “We’re the best of the worst!”
That’s actually not how the GLAAD report work. It also gives positive scores. I believe ABC has one of the highest marks.
ABC does have alot of gay characters on their hit shows so I don’t think the point is that they hate gays. Adam didn’t do what was right. He went off script and now ABC has to deal with the consiquence. ABC would have to pay crazy fines from the FCC not Adam if they choose to fine the channel. I’d be pissed if I had to pay a fine from something I didn’t even authorize. I understand their positon. If this was on MTV, it would be a whole different situation. ABC’s moves to remove Adam from other live shows protect them and send a message to other artists to stick to the script next time.
I agree – and most importantly I think that Adam gets it too – in fact he has stated it time and time and time and time again. I just don’t understand how people can’t just let this go. Adam and ABC have moved on – maybe everyone else should too.
Wow, I don’t see any comments that actually respond to the point of this article (surprise surprise). ABC is showing a fair amount of reason in their statement. They need to punish performers who vary wildly from rehearsal to air, because the network gets slapped with an FCC fine if the content’s obscene, not the performer. Think about Sinead O’Connor’s notorious last performance on SNL. She was fine in rehearsal, then changed it up during the broadcast and tore up the picture of the Pope. That’s exactly the sort of behavior ABC is trying to curtail. I’m pro-gay, pro-nipple, anti-Pope, and even I can see the reasoning behind this.
amen brother!! i totally agree with you. just because you don’t like the rules doesn’t mean you don’t have to follow them. he could have used a different forum for his beliefs.
They’re doing the right thing. Perhaps GLAAD knows how far the general public will go before some serious pushback occurs. Is it a double-standard? Yes. The U.S. is nowhere near ready to see THAT
The LGTB community has long thought GLAAD was a joke, and their feeble response to Lambert’s blacklisting only strengthens the perception.
Maybe they just don’t like hearing the truth. Stop gay on gay violence. Can’t you all just get along?
“you all”?
Let me guess – I’ll bet you have “gay friends”, don’t you?
Here’s a tip. If you are not an established artist, one without a CD even released yet, and a network is trying to give you some visibility to help promote you and your CD, it would be wise not to risk it and piss them off.
Validate your criticisms of Adam any way you want. What this all comes down to is a controversy about gayness. Gay-haters have jumped on this, claiming disgust at his obscenity. They’re really disgusted by gays in general. Same with those who claim he can’t sing. The AMAs just gave gay bashers something to focus on.
And you are surprised by this? In all the states where gay marriage was put to the voters, it has been voted down.
You sound happy about that, Shamrock.
How can you tell my mood by a post?