‘Good Morning America’ host apologises after mocking Prince George’s interest in ballet on air
Lara Spencer's snide remarks about the 6-year-old royal's dance classes sparked the hashtag #BoysDanceToo.
By Will Stroude
A Good Morning America host has apologised over on air comments she made about Prince George’s interest in ballet.
Breakfast co-anchor Lara Spencer admitted on Monday (26 August) that remarks she made during a live segment last week poking fun at the six-year-old royal’s hobby were “insensitive and stupid”.
The 50-year-old news anchor had joined in with snickers from the live studio audience during Good Morning Britain last week as she reported on Prince George’s new school timetable, which includes ballet classes.
“Prince William says ‘Prince George absolutely loves ballet,'” she smirked.
“I’ve got news for you, Prince William. We’ll see how long that lasts.”
Spencer’s comments were slammed by viewers who accused the journalist of reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes and shaming a child for their natural self-expression.
The hashtag #BoysDanceToo quickly began circulating on social media, and on Monday (26 August) members of New York’s dance community led a dance class for young boys and girls outside the Good Morning America studio to demonstarte that dance is a hobby for all kids.
The NY dance community does not play. They showed up this morning like 🔥🔥🔥 #boysdancetoo @LaraSpencer @GMA @traviswall pic.twitter.com/X08dcmB0yW
— Erica Dorfler (@ericadorfler) August 26, 2019
In an on-air apology, Spencer said she was “deeply sorry” and had “listened and learned”, before airing a segment in which she spoke to three male dancers about the stigma they had faced for pursuing their dreams.
“I screwed up. I did,” she told viewers. “The comment I made about dance was insensitive, it was stupid, and I am sorry.
“I spoke with several members of the dance community over the last few days. I have listened. I have learned about the bravery that it takes for a young boy to pursue a career in dance.”
.@LaraSpencer apologizes for her comments about boys and dance and sits down with 3 celebrated ballet dancers: “It has been a true education for me.” pic.twitter.com/bYJUvVGaXK
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 26, 2019
Taking to Instagram later, she wrote: “My sincere apologies for an insensitive comment I made in pop news yesterday. 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.”