GLAAD weighs in on Adam Lambert controversy as ABC defends its record on LGBT inclusion

ABC told the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Thursday that its current ban on Adam Lambert performing live is not about his same-sex kiss on the American Music Awards last week or about his being gay.

A week after ABC bailed on Adam appearing on Good Morning America, the network canceled Adam’s scheduled Dec. 17 appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live and on the New Years Rockin’ Eve special.

Here is the network’s statement to GLAAD: “Given the live nature of the American Music Awards, Adam Lambert’s performance, which differed greatly from his rehearsal, caught many, including the network, off guard. This is not a question of Lambert’s sexual orientation. As is evidenced by GLAAD’s media report card, ABC is at the forefront of positive gay and lesbian portrayal on television. We welcome openly gay performers and look forward to continuing our great work within the LGBT community.”

GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios appeared satisfied with ABC’s explanation and said in a statement: “It would appear that the kiss between Adam Lambert and his keyboardist did not factor into ABC’s decision. ABC has a history of positive gay and transgender inclusion that includes featuring kisses between gay and lesbian couples on-air.”

“We applaud the visibility of openly gay performers and congratulate Adam Lambert for sharing his story on the Ellen DeGeneres Show this week as well as his upcoming appearance on The Jay Leno Show,” Barrios added.

GLAAD says that since the AMAsm it has consistently advocated that Lambert and openly gay artists not be held to a double standard and said it is disappointing that ABC will not give him a chance to perform at this time.

The Los Angeles Times has reported that Lambert fans have taken to this blog and to Twitter to express criticism and confusion over GLAAD’s apparent support of ABC’s decisions.