Prince George: Good Morning America host apologises for ballet class comments
Several celebrities have defended the young royal, with actress Rosie O'Donnell likening Lara Spencer's comments to "bullying".
Saturday 24 August 2019 12:05, UK
A US TV host has apologised for an "insensitive comment" made about Prince George taking ballet lessons.
Lara Spencer, who co-anchors ABC's Good Morning America, made the remark as she presented a segment about the six-year-old's royal school classes, which include maths, science, history, religious studies, poetry and ballet.
"Oh, he looks so happy about the ballet class," Ms Spencer said, as images of George appeared on screen and several members of the studio audience laughed.
She told how the Duke of Cambridge has said his son "absolutely loves ballet" and then joked: "I have news for you, Prince William: We'll see how long that lasts."
Her comments about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's eldest child have been labelled by some as "bullying".
Choreographer Brian Friedman, who has worked with stars including Britney Spears and Beyonce, called for the presenter to apologise to the young royal.
He wrote in an Instagram post: "Growing up as a dancer I was bullied horribly which is exactly what this is.
"She is teaching the world 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."
Actress Rosie O'Donnell said Ms Spencer's comment was "ridiculous" and likened it to "bullying on national TV".
"Boys who take ballet are cool," she said.
Catfish presenter Nev Schulman also defended George, writing on Twitter: "Hey @LaraSpencer, I'm a boy and I love ballet.
"Dancing as a child with @NationalDance Institute changed my life for the better in so many ways."
Following the backlash, Ms Spencer apologised for her remark.
"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."
Prince George will be returning to St Thomas's Battersea school next month, where the most important rule is to "be kind", according to the school's website.
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