"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

Relevant Posts

Reader Comments

(Page 7 of 14) Previous 15 Comments | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

91. I can not stand that woman. she is sooooo pissing me off..She is the reason I don't watch the view anylonger.I hope Barbara kick her butt from the show...

Posted at 8:30PM on Mar 10th 2007 by maggie.

92. I do not understand why everyone gets there pants all up in their ass, this is a show that airs their opinions just like everyone else does. And these people get so upset if you do not like there show. I am one that do not find this show at all entertaining, and in some ways they do and have made comment that the people vote for these kids not the judges, but I will admitt that at times when I have watched the show Paula seems like she is on something, but once again that is my opinion.

So get a clue AMERICAN IDOL, it is just an opinion take a chill pill

Posted at 9:11PM on Mar 7th 2007 by maryjo

93. Let's try to remember that Frenchie Davis' pictures were from a soft porn website and that she got PAID to pose. Friends of Antonella Barba argue that the racier pictures are NOT of her and there is no proof that they are of her. If she got booted on heresay, what would Ms. O'Donnell say? I was a great admirer of Rosie when she had her own show. Now all she is is an angry woman lashing out at the slightest thing without having all the facts. Perhaps Ms. Walters can teach Rosie a journalist basic - get all the facts before you rant!!!!

Posted at 7:05PM on Mar 17th 2007 by Ted

94. Oh SHUT UP NIGEL! American Idol sucks this year. That indian guy is the worst singer in the world!

Posted at 7:50PM on Mar 7th 2007 by LMAO

95. American Idol is such a sham -- everyone is voting for the worst one this season. Who do they think they are, anyway, withholding clips from the View? Rosie has a right to give her opinion -- that's what the show is about!! I think it's revealing, too, that American Idol freaks out at the slightest criticism. Sounds guilty to me!

Posted at 11:37AM on Mar 12th 2007 by Baybee

96. Miss Walters! Do something !! before all you have build is distroyed by that mad women/man...thing.She is bad news to your show and will have The View canceled for lack of viewers.Please listen and don't be scared to take action! I always had great respect for you as a strong woman, now you let this ugly person with no class bring you down. Save yourself!!!

Posted at 8:01PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Togo

97. ANYONE SIDING WITH TRASHY ROSIE HAS THE SAME IGNORANT MENTALITY, NO ONE ASKS FOR HER OPINIONS, IDOL IS FAR FROM RACISTS RIGHT NOW THERE ARE MANY BLACK, HISPANIC, FAT, SKINNY, AND IN BETWEEN. SOME OF THE GREAT ONES ARE HEAVY. THE VOTERS ARE THE ONE WHO CHOOSE TO KEEP THEM ON OR GET THEM OFF. ROSIE IS A DISGUSTING NASTY BITCH AND i NEVER WATCH THE VIEW ANYMORE SINCE SHE'S ON.. ONLY THE GAYS AND LESBIANS WATCH THESE DAYS BECAUSE SHE TURNED IT INTO A GAY SHOW. BARBRA GET RID OF HER, REALLY, I HOPE SHE CAUSES YOU TO GET A HEFTY LAWSUIT FROM SOMEONE WHO WON'T TAKE HER CRAP

Posted at 8:16PM on Mar 7th 2007 by JOANIE

98. A note to Shannon #92... I personally think that that is exactly how Rosie acts toward peoples comments too... She thinks she can talk, but no one can talk about her. As soon as anyone says anything (their opinion) about her, she's the first one to cry. Does that show how uneducated she is too? Look at how she reacted at the comments that were said by Donald Trump... She went off calling him out because he gives someone a second chance (miss usa) and as soon as he says something back, she's in the corner crying on national television wondering why he's saying those things. Whatever... She needs to learn the difference between speaking her mind and throwing around false comments. I agree with Donald... She's a loser.

Posted at 8:26PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Jamie

99. IF ROSIE THINKS FRENCHIE IS SO GREAT, WHY DOESN'T SHE GIVE HER A SPOT ON THE VIEW?? ROSIE IS WRONG TO MAKE STATEMENTS THAT CLAIMS TO BE FACTS. SHE'S ALWAYS ACCUSSES PEOPLE OF STUFF. SHE NEVER SAYS "IN MY OPINION" SHE JUST STIRS UP SHIT... GET RID OF HER. SHE'S NOTHING BUT A LOUDMOUTH RIOT MAKER

Posted at 9:10PM on Mar 7th 2007 by HATE ROSIE

100. I don't agree with the language number 20 used but agree with her totally. Two black singers won in the last five years. Give me a break!

Posted at 8:31PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Judi

101. There is a big difference between being paid for nude photos provided with your full knowledge for profit and private photos not meant for the public. Has nothing to do with racisism or weight!

Posted at 8:35PM on Mar 7th 2007 by linda

102. BRAVO NIGEL!...

Posted at 8:36PM on Mar 7th 2007 by JulieA.

103. ROSIE GIVE IT UP AND TAKE A TRIP TO LESBIANLAND GET OUT OF SHOW BUSINESS YOU ARE ALL WASHED UP

LATELY ALL YOU DO IS FIGHT AND PISS PEOPLE OFF

NOT GETTING ENOUGH?????????????

Posted at 8:44PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Lucy

104. I would just like to say, regardless of what you think of Rosie, why do people have to keep calling her a fat lesbian when they are putting her down? What does her weight or sexual orientation have to do with it?

Posted at 9:13PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Kris

105. Can't they get rid of Rosies big, fat ,nasty, unattractive face from all media???? I mean come on, here I am trying to eat and I see that pig on my screen. She was a loser when she was first on VH1 of all places on a comedy show, SHE ISN'T FUNNY, EVER!!!!!!!!!!!! ROSIE.... SHUT YOUR WORTHLESS PIE HOLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 9:13PM on Mar 7th 2007 by Chris

Previous 15 Comments | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments