Broadcasters under fire for derogatory comments about Weir’s masculinity

Broadcasters under fire for comments about Weir

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Two broadcasters are facing criticism for derogatory comments made about American figure skater Johnny Weir.

The Quebec Gay and Lesbian Council has demanded a public apology from French-language broadcaster RDS after one commentator said Weir hurts figure skating’s image and another said Weir should be made to take a gender test. The remarks were “outrageous” and “homophobic,” CQGL said in a statement on its Web site.

Weir has repeatedly avoided questions about his sexual orientation in the past, saying it’s no one’s business and it has no bearing on what he does as an athlete. He is aware of the comments, agent Tara Modlin said Monday.

“The comment is so inappropriate that we will not even justify it with a response,” U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun said.

Australia’s Channel Nine has reportedly gotten complaints from viewers after two of its hosts joked about the masculinity of Weir and other male skaters.