‘Idol’ comments rile gay rights organization

Wed., Jan. 25, 2006

From wire reports

Is “American Idol” homophobic?

The Fox talent show drew criticism from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation after judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson made what the gay rights group deemed questionable comments in last week’s fifth-season premiere episode.

On the Jan. 17 show, seen by 35.5 million viewers, Cowell told one male contestant to “wear a dress,” and Jackson asked another, “Are you a girl?”

GLAAD also noted that Cowell and host Ryan Seacrest regularly exchange on-air insults, each implying that the other is gay.

“We’ve spoken with Fox and have entered into what we hope will be a productive, ongoing conversation about the show’s representation and discussion of sexual orientation and gender expression,” Damon Ramine, a spokesman for GLAAD, in a statement posted on the group’s Web site.

A spokesman for “American Idol” said that Fox had no comment.

‘West Wing’ heads south

When the fictional administration of President Josiah Bartlet leaves office later this year, it will also mark the end of “The West Wing,” one of the most-honored and influential series in television history.

NBC has announced that the White House drama will air its final hour on May 14 after seven seasons, preceded by a one-hour retrospective.

Once a crown jewel in the network’s schedule, “West Wing” has seen its viewership decline sharply in recent years. In addition, the series recently lost the actor considered its heart and soul; John Spencer, who played Leo McGarry, died of a heart attack last month.

The series will end with the inauguration of the new president, either Democrat Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits) or Republican Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda).

But the emotional high point may come several weeks earlier with McGarry’s funeral, which could involve the return of former “West Wing” cast members such as Rob Lowe.

“It’s no secret that the ratings have been tough for the last couple of seasons,” said Kevin Reilly, president of NBC Entertainment. “There’s a point where you want to send a great show off with dignity and with some semblance of success.”

The decision to cancel the show was made before Spencer’s death, Reilly added.

Over the years, the show was nominated for 89 Emmys, winning 25, including four straight for best drama.

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