Good Morning America host Lara Spencer has apologise for making an “insensitive comment” about Prince George taking up ballet.
The 50-year-old faced serious backlash on social media, after she appeared to mock the inclusion of ballet in George’s school curriculum.
Viewers slammed the TV journalist for being a “bully”, and some celebrities even spoke out to criticise her comments.
Responding to the backlash in a statement on social media, Lara said: “My deepest apologies for an insensitive comment I made during pop news on Thursday.”
“From ballet, which I took as a kid, to anything in life you wish to explore, I fully believe we should all pursue our passion. Go climb your mountain and love every minute of it.”
Lara came under fire after she read through George’s hectic school curriculum on GMA earlier this week.
When she pointed out that ballet was on the list, Lara paused as people could be heard laughing in the background.
As photos of George came up on the screen in the GMA studio, Lara quipped: “He looks so happy about the ballet class…”
In a sarcastic tone, the TV journalist also said: “Prince William says George absolutely loves ballet. I have news for you Prince William: We’ll see how long that lasts.”
A host of celebrities slammed Lara for her comments, including Derek Hough and George Takei.
Derek wrote on Instagram: “I saw a clip from @goodmorningamerica this morning and I was pretty surprised by the tone of some comments towards dance. My initial response was disappointment.”
“For a brief moment it brought up old unpleasant memories of being mocked and laughed at for being a boy who danced. Fortunately that feeling dissipated quickly in knowing that the climate of dance, especially for young men in this generation is thriving more than ever, celebrated and appreciated.”
“A young boy training in an athletic art form that requires an insane amount of discipline, strength, agility, flexibility, speed, dedication, awareness of mind, body, soul and creativity doesn’t seem like something to laugh about,” he continued.
“I understand that comments like the one made here on television were probably light hearted and just a little banter. I get it. I know everyone at gma including @lara.spencer and I’m sure the intention wasn’t to be hurtful. But I also just think we are in a new era and time, especially for dance and it’s perception.”
“The tone and mockery towards dance is just dated, old and not relevant anymore. Those who mock don’t understand. I’m proud to be a dancer and I strongly encourage any, who would like to try.”
Meanwhile, George Takei tweeted: “Lara Spencer on @GMA mocked a 6-year old Prince George of the UK for taking ballet class. It shows that ‘toxic masculinity”’can be spread viciously by insensitive women, too. As a fellow ‘George’ and a lover of dance, I am very troubled and disappointed by her actions.”
