An American TV presenter has apologised for comments she made about Prince George taking ballet lessons.
Lara Spencer, who presents Good Morning America, revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s eldest child would be studying maths, science, history, religious studies, computer programming, poetry and ballet.
After she mentioned ballet, she and her fellow host George Stephanopoulos both laughed.
“Oh, he looks so happy about the ballet class,” Spencer said, as images of George popped up on the screen.
She then claimed William said his six-year-old son “absolutely loves ballet”.
“I have news for you, Prince William: We’ll see how long that lasts,” she said. “I mean, he might.”
Actress Rosie O’Donnell was one of the first to call out the TV host, accusing her of “bullying” and labelling her comments “ridiculous” in a video she shared on Twitter.
“It’s like bullying on national TV,’ the actress said. “Boys who take ballet are cool.”
Director and choreographer Debbie Allen, who worked on 80s TV show Fame, also weighed in.
“Look at the great contributors to the world, in society. Men that have studied dance (such as) Steve Jobs. Hello,” she said.
Choreographer Brian Friedman, who has worked with stars such as Britney Spears and Beyonce as well as on X Factor, said the presenter should be “ashamed”.
“Growing up as a dancer I was bullied horribly which is exactly what this is,” he said.
“She is teaching the word that it is ok to laugh at boys for dancing and that is so sad. Just think about the young boys who may have seen this and could quit their passion at her expense.”
Spencer later apologised for her “insensitive comment” in an Instagram post.
“My sincere apologies for an insensitive comment I made in pop news yesterday,” she said.
“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.”
