RDS Come Under Criticism For Homophobic Comments About US Figure Skater Johnny Weir

The Canadian television station RDS has found itself under heavy criticism following homophobic comments made by sports commentators covering the mens figure skating at the 2010 Winter Olympics where they suggested Johnny Weir was hurting the image of the sport and should undergo a gender test or compete in the women’s event.

Deemed to be of a homophobic nature by the Quebec Council of Gays and Lesbians, the council has now called for the station to apologise for the comments which were aired on the morning of February 17th.

Releasing a statement criticising the station, Quebec’s gay and lesbian council stated:

“For the council, it is unacceptable for a sports commentator to mock and denigrate an athlete because of his appearance,”

Claude Mailhot, who was commentating alongside Alain Goldberg on the show has apologised for both of their behaviour saying he was sorry for their:

“…tactless comments on the appearance and manner of a figure skater,”

however the Quebec Council of Gays and Lesbians don’t believe this is enough stating that they have not addressed the homophobic comments that were made.

Weir, who has neither come out publicly as straight or gay, has  apparently shrugged off the comments made by the presenters having been reported as saying:

“Every little boy should be so lucky as to turn into me. And that’s all I have to say about that.”