"Idol" Producer Slams Rosie, Defends Show

Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer of "American Idol," has just released a statement in response to criticism made against the show by "View" host Rosie O'Donnell. It reads:

"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."

It was Rosie's comments on Tuesday's episode of "The View" that drew "Idol's" ire. Rosie called the show "weightist and racist" over the way it has handled the Antonella Barba photo scandal this season, as opposed to when it booted contestant Frenchie Davis for the same thing. Although an "Idol" spy tells us that the difference is that Frenchie was paid for her pre-Idol porn, while Antonella's photos were private, and published without her knowledge or permission.

Idol's On Vacation: Click to launch photos"Idol" has also banned "The View" from using clips from the show.



Tags: american idol, AmericanIdol, rosie o'donnell, RosieO'donnell, the view, TheView

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46. I saw Rosie's comments. She had a good point. And the producer wouldn't be responding if there wasn't a grain of truth to it.

Posted at 6:05PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Stan

47. What #20 said is right on the money.....stfu you stupid black racist ...you give African Americans a bad name...you don't see anyone here using the "N" word...even though...by your comment...using it ..would'nt be a bad idea.

Posted at 6:07PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Dru

48. Rosie is a fat lesbian who needs the spot light, and shes so ignorant and arrogant she won't listen to others opinions or their views. She should be put to sleep. She is a crazy ass bitch.

Posted at 8:27AM on Mar 8th 2007 by DrKnowItAll

49. -Pass this on- To all and any who give even 1 second of their time in any way what so ever to Rosie O'Donnell, please stop. If we all just stop watching this obviously not so smart person, who makes these annually stupid remarks just to get some time in the spot light, the world would be a better place. If you think about it, every thing she does causes chaos and negativity every time. She is not a good person. The View has made a big mistake because sooner than later America is going to forget about Rosie and they just might forget about The View also. And even though Im not exactly comfortable with people of the gay gender. It in no way no how had anything to do with my opinion of her.

Posted at 6:15PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Jimmy

50. Like her or not the ratings of The View are higher then ever..She may be outspoken but often she speaks thruth..Take Paula for example..The woman is on something..Maybe she taking meds for back pain but shes loopy alot of the time..Everybody just closes their eyes and pretends she not acting odd..Rosie tells it how she sees it..I would rather watch a show where the host speaks her true opinions than some show where they speak whatever the producer barks out.

Posted at 6:17PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Gina

51. Overated+egomaniacal=Rosie

SHUT YOUR PIE-HOLE!!

Posted at 3:54PM on Mar 9th 2007 by mr pantz

52. With all the publicity surrounding this girl I do believe we already have the next American Idol. People will vote for her just because she's pretty and had nude photos. If this does happen, I will never watch AI again.

Posted at 6:22PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Practical

53. She really does have no brains, no class. She spouts her mouth without thinking and insults people with her narrow minded views. She should just shut her mouth and quit proving to America how right Donald Trump was about her.

I say fire her. She is just gross.

Posted at 2:22PM on Mar 9th 2007 by Melissa

54. OMG Nigel looks like a human lizard!!!! He has no right to be out from under his rock!

Posted at 6:21PM on Mar 7th 2007 by BayofPigs

55. Farrah, you are the racist one. If you want racism to end, you need to stop bringing it up. It is 2007 for gosh sakes. Obama may be the next President and you still think non "African Americans" are racist. People like you make me sick. Next time you don't get a job, maybe you should consider the fact that it's because you weren't qualified, not b/c you are "African American". By the way, how come we never call anyone "German/American" or "Greek/American"?????????????????????????? Now do you get it you ignorant fool????

Posted at 6:24PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Nikki

56. Rosie is a loud mouth, ignorant, publicity whore, slob. A disgrace to any show who employs her. So why do the media keep giving her an avenue for publicity? She should be ignored and MAYBE she would just go away.

Posted at 6:31PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Sherry

57. Nikki, address your comments to this Farrah (who claims to be black) not "you people."
I (a black woman) haven't typed a word about racism. PEACE!

Posted at 6:32PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Practical

58. I think Rosie is way off base this time. First of all, other than the topless pics on the beach, which are harmless, I didn't know that it was confirmed that the pics were actually of Antonella. Idol can do anything about that. I do think it was wrong for Frenchie to be kicked off the show, but Antonella's case is totally differant.
.
She needs to be kicked off for her horrible singing, not the pics.

Posted at 6:34PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Bird

59. Can someone tell me what's wrong with Terri (Simon's girlfriends) voice? Man, she sounds worst the Rita Cosby on MSNBC. This is not a slander, because I like'em both.. Just want to know what's up with their scratchy, barely can breathe and talk voice!!!

Posted at 6:36PM on Mar 7th 2007 by JB

60. Oh and Nikki, that was very disrespectful what you said about Johnny Cochran. The man was an attorney defending this client. So you're saying he's dead now because he used the race card? Please!

Posted at 6:36PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Practical

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