Suburbarazzi

O’Donnell says ‘Idol’ is ‘weightist’; FOX says Rosie is ‘ridiculous’

March

It was only a matter of time before Rosie O’Donnell weighed in on “American Idol” contestant Anotonella Barba and the flap over a series of risque photos of her that were posted to the internet. In particular, she said she was peeved that Barba was allowed to continue singing, while former AI contestant Frenchie Davis was booted from the show when pornographic pictures of her surfaced back in 2003.

After Davis complained to the NY Post that the show was exhibiting a double-standard by letting Barba stay on, and that “there should be something to make up for the fact that I was humiliated needlessly,” Rosie chimed in on “The View” and said that it smacked of racism. Then, when Elizabeth Hasselbeck suggested that it might also have something to do with Barba’s good looks and weight, Rosie continued, “It’s weightist and wacist.”

Never mind that Reuben Studdard and Fantasia have won the show. Never mind that Frenchie was paid for her photos by some pornography website, and that Barba’s were never intended for the public (speculation is that the pictures may have been leaked by a jilted ex-boyfriend). Never mind that Frenchie’s reputation recovered just fine, and she’s currently wrapping up a four-year stint in “Rent” on Broadway.

Anywho, FOX responded by blasting O’Donnell. AI producer Nigel Lythgoe told The Showbuzz, “I feel as though I must refute her absurd and ridiculous claims that ‘American Idol’ is racist and/or weight-ist … 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.”

Meanwhile, am I the only one who sees ironic humor in the Barba-Barbarella similarity?

(Barba photo: FoxFlash)

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 8th, 2007 at 10:10 am by Ted Mann.
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2 Responses to “O’Donnell says ‘Idol’ is ‘weightist’; FOX says Rosie is ‘ridiculous’”

Deborah Wilburn March 12th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
She’s no Jane Fonda… and now she’s gone and not a moment too soon. As Simon continues to remind us, it’s a singing competition!

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