MTV issues apology for ‘Jersey Shore’ reunion special with offensive segment about a transgender woman

Just got a note from GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) that MTV has issued an apology for the Jersey Shore reunion special that first aired Oct. 28 and included a highly offensive segment about a transgender woman.

In the segment, the Jersey Shore cast refers to the transgender woman as a ‘tranny’ and the word ‘it’ while the studio audience laughs.

Here is the statement from MTV: “We appreciate GLAAD voicing concern about the “Jersey Shore” reunion special. The segment in question was certainly not meant to be insensitive, but in retrospect we realize that it was offensive to some viewers.   We sincerely apologize.”

The special will be edited – and the segment removed – after this current rotation cycle. Until then, the apology will be public. MTV also agreed to meet with GLAAD this month to discuss how to better portray transgender issues on the network.

Kudos to GLAAD for pointing these things out and educating people about what is offensive to the LGBT community.

More information about the incident can be found on the GLAAD blog.