
Good Morning America co-host Lara Spencer provoked something of a media storm last Thursday, after making an ill-advised joke about Prince George taking ballet classes. Her comments were condemned by actor, producer, director and certified dance icon Debbie Allen, So You Think You Can Dance's Travis Wall, and Gene Kelly's widow Patricia Ward Kelly amongst others—and now, according to E! News, she's reaching out to make amends.
As Deadline reports, the mockery came during a segment on Prince George's curriculum at his private London school, Thomas's Battersea, where the little royal will be studying ballet alongside math, history, science, computer programming, religious studies, and poetry. "Oh, he looks so happy about the ballet class," Lara said, before referring to Prince William's previous comments about how much George is, in fact, very happy to be taking dance classes. "I have news for you, Prince William: We’ll see how long that lasts," she said.
Unsurprisingly, viewers from the dance world and beyond weren't thrilled at the suggestion that a boy couldn't possibly enjoy ballet—or that there's something funny about a boy who loves to dance (haven't you seen Billy Elliot, Lara?!) "Poking fun at the dance world, at ballet and young boys, this is just not cool." Debbie Allen said in an Instagram video. "We’d get more Steve Jobs [Jobs took dance classes in college, Allen pointed out] if we had more ballet, less bullying."
A post shared by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen)
A photo posted by on
"As a dancer myself I was bullied all the time growing up," Travis Wall said on Instagram. "The next time you want to laugh at a child for taking a dance class, or laugh at them at all, look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself if you want to be a bully today." Patricia Ward Kelly, meanwhile, wrote in an open letter, "Gene would be devastated to know that 61 years after his ground-breaking work, the issue of boys and men dancing is still the subject of ridicule—and on a national network."
Lara apologized on Instagram, writing, "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."
A post shared by Lara Spencer (@lara.spencer)
A photo posted by on
She's now taken her apologies a step further by reaching out to both Debbie Allen and Travis Wall, according to E! News. "So Lara Spencer just called me on my cell phone, she got my number from Debbie Allen, and she is completely horrified and just truly just issued this massive apology," Travis said on his Instagram story. "I could just hear the horror in her voice."
"She knows that there's a bunch of us, Broadway and a lot of the ballet community here in New York City, we're going down to Good Morning America on Monday morning and taking ballet class outside," he added. "She's aware of it and she wants to talk to all of us and she wants to set this thing straight and right. The dance community is incredible and yeah, our voices were heard, which is fantastic, so hooray!" Let's hope this serves as a lesson to anyone who still, inexplicably, thinks boys doing ballet is funny.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
The Perfumer Behind Last Year's Most Talked-About Fragrance Just Released Another Perfect Scent
Aqua Media Cologne forte embodies a feeling of balance and harmony.
By Deena Campbell
-
'Yellowface' Is Our June Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from R.F. Kuang's latest novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
I Scoured the Summer Runways—Here Are the Six Shoe Trends Actually Worth Buying
Hit the ground running this season.
By Emma Childs
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Blames 'Daily Mirror' Publishers for Chelsy Davy Breakup in Court Documents
The court case began this week.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Tabloid Stories About Prince Harry Came From Members of the Royal Family, 'Daily Mirror' Publisher Claims
These claims could corroborate previous statements from Harry.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Hugged a Little Girl Who Burst Into Tears During Windsor Walkabout, And Told Her Mom to Get Her an Ice Cream
So cute!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Here's How Princess Kate Kept an Eye on Prince Louis During the Coronation, According to a Body Language Expert
Smart.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Louis Was Filmed Eating a S'more So Delicious It Literally Made Him "Weak at the Knees"
Oh, Louis.
By Iris Goldsztajn