Fox Responds To Rosie's Rant
The executive producer of "American Idol" fired back at "View" cohost Rosie O'Donnell after she called the show "racist" and "weightist" for booting 2003 contestant Frenchie Davis, while allowing current contestant Antonella Barba to remain on the reality show.
"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," Nigel Lythgoe, said in a statement given to The ShowBuzz on Wednesday. "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."
O'Donnell responded to Lythgoe's statement on her blog. "i call it as i see it ... blah blah blah blah," she wrote on Wednesday.
On Wednesday's "View," O'Donnell said "American Idol" was miffed at her because of some of her comments.
"We're no longer given access to 'American Idol' (video) clips. They're apparently mad at us ... When I say 'us,' I really mean me," she said Wednesday, calling the situation "sad."
"It started with the two special-ed boys and then my concern about Paula (Abdul's) possible non-attentiveness and then saying that I thought it was sexist or racist and weightist that they put Frenchie (Davis) off and not Antonella (Barba)," O'Donnell said.
"The View" co-host, Barbara Walters, responded on the show by saying that O'Donnell's comments were "very strong accusations" and that "Rosie's opinions are Rosie's opinions."
But Walters instructed, "don't insult them with your left hand and ask for favors with the right hand."Photos: "American Idol" Season Six
Controversy erupted this week when photos of "American Idol" beauty Antonella Barba surfaced last week and show hosts Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell leapt to her defense.
Frenchie Davis, a powerhouse singer who was booted from the competition in 2003 when provocative photos of her surfaced, cried foul this week when she saw how Barba's situation was handled.
"I couldn't help but notice the difference between the manner in which she was dealt with and how I was dealt with … if the rules have changed, I believe there should be something to make up for the fact that I was humiliated needlessly," Davis told the New York Post.
"I don't necessarily think that (it's racism), but I can certainly look at this and understand why people would draw that conclusion," Davis told The Associated Press, hours before going on stage in the Broadway musical "Rent."
Though she now has a successful career in theater, Davis is still curious about why Barba — who has been criticized as a singer — has remained on the hit show.
In a statement given to The ShowBuzz on Tuesday, the network said they have never discussed the specifics of why Davis was eliminated and don't plan to do so now.
"Fox and the producers of 'American Idol' have no desire to revisit history and sully the reputation of Ms. Davis," the statement said. "She was removed from the show over four years ago and has gone on to a successful performing career. We have never discussed the specifics of why Ms. Davis was eliminated, nor will we now."
Davis' supporters took part in a small protest Tuesday outside the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, where "American Idol" is filmed. Barba performed on Wednesday night's show.
By Amy Bonawitz