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Glee creator Ryan Murphy found a recent Newsweek article so homophobic that he called for a boycott of the magazine -- but it appears that (for now), Glee and Newsweek have made peace.
"Straight Jacket," an editorial by Newsweek arts critic Ramin Setoodeh, made the argument that openly gay actors can't be credible in straight roles (using Glee's Jonathan Groff as an example). The article infuriated celebs like Kristin Chenoweth -- currently costarring on Broadway with Sean Hayes, another gay star cited in the column -- and she publicly demanded an apology. And legendary TV writer Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) penned a reaction exploring the ramifications of asking homosexual actors to remain closeted; you can read it here.
Glee's Murphy ultimately took things one step further when he called for a widespread Newsweek boycott in response to "this damaging, needlessly cruel, and mind-blowingly bigoted piece."
But on Thursday, Glee's Murphy wrote an exclusive statement to EW.com, reporting that Newsweek scribe Setoodeh had reached out to him personally. Setoodeh -- who is both openly gay and says he is a Glee fan -- agreed to have a conversation about his "Straight Jacket" column with the show's writers. And that's not all. "Along with inviting him into our Glee writers room," writes Murphy, "I will also let him observe our casting process…so he can witness first hand -- and speak to -- actors who audition for our show and who are already series regulars -- actors who are encouraged to read for ALL roles, no matter what their sexual orientation, color or gender. Who cares who you are or who you sleep with -- men, women, sheep -- frankly, it’s none of our business or concern. The actor with the best audition should get the part."
Murphy continued: "On Glee, straight actors play gay roles, gay actors play straight roles and no one is discriminated against."
In recent days, the Newsweek columnist has publicly defended his article both on Newsweek.com and The Joy Behar Show (see clip), but we're happy to see Murphy's call for action elicit some productive results. Hopefully, a visit to the Glee set will teach Setoodeh to sing a different tune.
Plus:
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- Kristin Chenoweth Famous Gay Friends in Newsweek
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Who do you side with, the author of Newsweek's "Straight Jacket" or the creator of Glee? Chime in below!
