UPDATED: Johnny Weir Responds To ‘Stars On Ice’ Tour Exclusion: ‘I’d Love To Have My Own Show… Maybe Getting Lady Gaga’

Figure skater Johnny Weir is speaking out about being left out in the cold from the “Stars on Ice” tour.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) broke news on Thursday that the two-time Olympian was allegedly deemed “not family friendly” by the tour’s sponsors.

Johnny Weir spoke to Billy Bush for “The Billy Bush Show” and Access Hollywood on Friday morning to address his exclusion.

“It is for real,” he told Billy. “I’ve never been invited to do ‘Star on Ice’ before, which is the only figure skating tour in the U.S., and it’s disappointing that I can’t perform for my American fans… all because I’m not ‘family friendly’ enough.”

The three-time U.S. National Champion said the hardest part about not skating on the tour would be missing his devoted fans.

“I totally understand that I am a little outrageous in some ways… I’m a little un-P.C., but I really wish I had the chance to perform for the American fans,” he continued.

But Johnny has a possible backup plan with another irreverent performer in mind.

“Maybe right now, just artistically and creatively, I’d love to have my own show and my own tour and involve some big musical acts, like maybe getting Lady Gaga” he said, explaining that if he found sponsors he would create an all-inclusive event. “Nobody would be too un-family friendly for my show.”

He dismissed the idea that he was excluded because of his flamboyant style or perceived sexuality and noted that ice-skating is always going to be flashy.

“I don’t like to look at boundaries as far as sexuality is concerned. I don’t like to look at things based on a person’s sexuality,” he continued. “Anytime you get men in glitter it’s flamboyant occasion!”

When contacted by Access, a rep for “Stars On Ice” said, “We are disappointed that there is untrue and inaccurate information being disseminated. Please be assured that the ‘gender identity and sexual orientation’ of cast members has never been a consideration in the selection of tour performers. ‘Stars on Ice’ recognizes Johnny Weir is a talented athlete and we appreciate the contributions he has made to the international figure skating community throughout his career.”

The rep said there simply is not enough space on the tour.

“The current cast of the ‘Stars on Ice’ tour includes very talented performers including the Olympic Gold medalist, Evan Lysacek and the current U.S. National Champion, Jeremy Abbott, the statement continued. “While ‘Stars on Ice’ wishes it could accommodate many more talented skaters as part of our cast, the fact is we cannot sign every skater… be assured that the comments mentioned regarding the ‘Stars on Ice’ tour are simply not accurate.”

Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read More

Mary Lou Retton Speaks Out In Personal First Statement About Ongoing Health Battle