Mathew Imaging/Getty ImagesThe brains behind the feet of So You Think You Can Dance are trying to fight back after coming under attack over some allegedly homophobic comments.
GLAAD was on the warpath today after remarks made by show mastermind and judge Nigel Lythgoe toward same-sex dance duo Misha Belfer and Mitchel Kibel in last night's premiere.
"I think you probably alienate a lot of our audience," he said after the duo's samba. "I mean, we've always had the guys dance together on the show, but they've never really done it in each other's arms before.
"Do you know what? I'd like to see you both dancing with a girl."
Nigel continued his tirade online, saying, "The same-sex ballroom guys did remind me of Blades of Glory. However, I'm not a fan of Brokeback ballroom."
GLAAD and Nigel have only been escalating from there...
"It's unacceptable for this kind of blatant homophobia to occur," GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano said in a statement. "Fox Entertainment and Nigel Lythgoe owe Misha, Mitchel and the whole LGBT community an apology."
Nigel responded via Twitter: "I am very sad the word 'homophobe' is being used. That is someone who hates homosexuals. I dislike effeminate dancing! Wake up and listen!"
GLAAD is now asking the gay community and fans of the show to fire back by emailing and calling Fox to get Nigel to apologize for his comments.
Producers of the show issued this statement about the situation: "The judges of So You Think You Can Dance critique auditioners and contestants on their overall performance, stage presence, technique and a wide range of characteristics. All dancers are aware when they audition they will be subject to the judges' opinions. We apologize if any viewers were offended by their remarks."
(Originally published May 22, 2009, at 1:01 p.m. PT)