Good Morning America co-anchor Lara Spencer recently stepped into a mini Royals scandal after she mocked Prince George‘s interest in ballet on-air.
During a show last week, Spencer made a remark following a segment that included information about George’s interests, which include ballet. “We’ll see how long that lasts,” Spencer said after the segment before laughing.
The joke rubbed many the wrong way, with several prominent people from the dance world pointing out that it could be considered bullying.
So You Think You Can Dance star Travis Wall posted a video addressed to Spencer, in which he condemned her comments and spoke on the harmful effects of bullying and toxic masculinity.
Other prominent people called Spencer out on social media, including Rosie O’Donnell, George Takei, and several other high-profile male dancers.
The hashtags “#BoysDanceToo” and “#BalletIsForEveryone” even began trending as the backlash continued.
Lara Spencer Apologizes for Mocking Prince George’s Interest in Ballet
Following days of intense backlash, Spencer issued an apology via her Instagram account.
“My sincere apologies for an insensitive comment I made in pop news yesterday,” her apology begins. “From ballet to anything one wants to explore in life, I say GO FOR IT. I fully believe we should all be free to pursue our passions. Go climb your mountain-and love every minute of it.”
Spencer also issued an on-air apology on Aug. 26. “I screwed up,” her apology begins.
“The comment I made about dance was insensitive,” she continues. “It was stupid, and I am deeply sorry. I have spoken with several members of the dance community over the past few days. I have listened. I have learned about the bravery it takes for a young boy to pursue a career in dance and last night I sat down with three influential dancers who have lived it first hand.”
The segment then transitioned into an interview Spencer conducted with three professional male dancers — Robbie Fairchild, Travis Wall and Fabrice Calmels — who used the opportunity to discuss their experiences as male dancers and as victims of bullying.
Still, some were able to find some levity in the ordeal:
There’s nothing a meme can’t fix!
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