Johnny Weir Deemed “Not Family Friendly” Enough to Perform in Stars on Ice Tour [View All]

Johnny Weir Deemed “Not Family Friendly” Enough to Perform in Stars on Ice Tour

March 11, 2010 by Lauren Mattia, GLAAD's Entertainment/Advertising Media Fellow

GLAAD has learned from a source that wishes to remain anonymous that sponsors of the Stars on Ice Tour, which include Smuckers and IMG Entertainment, have refused to allow 3-time US National Champion and 2-time Olympian Johnny Weir to participate because they claim that he is “not family friendly.”

Championship skater Johnny Weir not allowed to perform at Stars on Ice Tour

To say that Weir is “not family friendly” would be a clear jab at his perceived sexual orientation. Weir is extremely involved with his family. He is putting his younger brother through college, and supports the family financially because his father’s disability prohibits him from working. Weir’s dedication to his family can be clearly documented in the Sundance series, Be Good Johnny Weir, which follows him and his family and friends through his life and career as a championship skater.

Weir’s performance and costume style is sometimes considered flashier than those of other skaters, leading to questions about his perceived sexual orientation. While Weir has not officially announced his sexual orientation, he has garnered a significant amount of LGBT fans. He remains one of the most outspoken skaters today, and won an online poll asking fans “Who would you like to see guest star on Stars on Ice?”

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http://glaadblog.org/2010/03/11/johnny-weir-deemed-not-family-friendly-enough-to-perform-in-stars-on-ice-tour/