Ceasefire Called in Newsweek-Gay Actor Debacle

By John Mitchell Posted May 14th 2010 01:55PM

Newsweek writer Ramin Setoodeh has had a pretty rough week, but things are looking up now that he's accepted 'Glee' creator Ryan Murphy's invitation to visit the show's set to discuss why his recent article 'Straight Jacket,' which ignited a firestorm by questioning whether openly gay actors were believable when playing straight roles, offended the producer so much that he called for a boycott of the magazine.

Soon after the article went to press, actress Kristin Chenoweth, a 'Glee' guest star who co-stars with Sean Hayes -- one of the article's main targets -- on Broadway in 'Promises, Promises,' penned a lengthy response, slamming Newsweek for irresponsible reporting and calling Setoodeh, who is openly gay, a self-hating homophobe.

As media outlets began to pick up on Chenoweth's outrage, the topic quickly gained further traction in the press as a seemingly-unprepared Setoodeh appeared on 'The Joy Behar Show' to discuss the controversy. He was soon being slammed left and right by actors and pundits who felt his argument was weak in the face of acclaimed performances by gay actors such as Neil Patrick Harris on 'How I Met Your Mother' and Cheyenne Jackson on '30 Rock,' both of whom play straight on their respective shows. (NPH has been nominated for three Emmys and two Golden Globes for his 'HIMYM' turn.)

The outrage reached a peak late this week when Jarrett Barrios, president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), penned an op-ed exclusively for Popeater detailing his displeasure with the article and Murphy called for a boycott, saying, "What is the most shocking of all is that Newsweek went ahead and published such a blatantly homophobic article in the first place ... and has remained silent in the face of ongoing (and justified) criticism. Would the magazine have published an article where the author makes a thesis statement that minority actors should only be allowed and encouraged to play domestics?"

Murphy added: "I have asked GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios to stand with me and others and ask for an immediate boycott of Newsweek magazine until an apology is issued to Sean Hayes and other brave out actors who were cruelly singled out in this damaging, needlessly cruel and mind-blowingly bigoted piece."

'Glee' actor Jonathan Groff was, like Hayes, highlighted as an example in the article. On the show, Groff plays the character Jesse St. James, the love interest of Lea Michelle's character, Rachel Berry. Groff was nominated for a Tony for playing the romantic lead opposite Michelle on Broadway in the hit 'Spring Awakening' and has received praise for his turn on 'Glee'; however, Setoodeh opines, "When [Groff's character] smiles or giggles, he seems more like your average theater queen, a better romantic match for Kurt than Rachel."

Setoodeh has reported receiving anonymous threats in the wake of the controversy. While he and Newsweek have stood behind his article, the writer has also stated that it has been widely misinterpreted.

Just two days after Murphy called for the Newsweek boycott, the producer/writer -- who also created 'Nip/Tuck' and is directing the upcoming Julia Roberts vehicle 'Eat, Pray, Love' -- announced in an open letter to Entertainment Weekly that Setoodeh had accepted his invitation to talk with himself and writers of the hit FOX show.

"In better more constructive news: Ramin Setoodeh, the author of the article, reached out to me today and accepted my offer to sit with myself and the writers of 'Glee' -- Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan -- to discuss not only why we found the piece so offensive, but also to observe our creative process and see how we construct a TV show dedicated exclusively to the idea of inclusiveness and acceptance for all -- ideas solely absent in his 'Straight Jacket' article," Murphy told EW. "In my telephone conversation with him, Mr. Setoodeh mentioned how he feels cornered, misunderstood and unfairly attacked. I look forward to hearing his reasons for writing the article, and will of course listen with an open heart and mind."

Tags: Cheyenne Jackson, Glee, Jonathan Groff, joy behar, kristen chenoweth, neil patrick harris, newsweek, PromisesPromises, ryan murphy, sean hayes

Comments

(50)

Friday 14 May

By MICKEY

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Everyone needs to support Newsweek.

By skye

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WHY?? I'm not buying...

By AitchCS

has he never heard of Rupert Everett???

By John

apparently he's never heard of Rock Hudson, Cary Grant or Montgomery Clift either..I'm sure if we knew those actors were gay back then, we'd be picking apart their performances too. He's just another critic.

By Rob

I agree that there are/were plenty of gay actors who convincingly portray/ed straight people. However, the man is allowed to give his opinion. I'm all for people disagreeing with someone's POV...however, there is no need to act like indulged spoiled children throwing a temper tantrum when responding to something they don't like. Calls for boycotts imo just turn me off, no matter what the offending opinion is.

By Nick Mayor

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Why do I think you are under 30? Boycotts do work and Newsweek should pay in their pocket for writing such an offensive article. This irresponsible article could harm many actors economically who have busted their humps to have a career...but I guess you didn't think of that? I bet you didn't even read the entire piece [as I have]. It's 2010 and Newsweek should know better. I have canceled my subscription and advised others to do the same.

Saturday 15 May

By jannykmac

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The goal of acting is believability. Whether playing gay or straight, done by an actor with the opposite lifestyle...it can be a stretch for audiences.
As for Rock Hudson, Cary Grant and others from long ago...the public did not know their true sexuality; it may be more difficult for the general public, knowing an actor's sexuality to accept them as the opposite.

Saturday 22 May

By joseph

good post bib

By acemakr9

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Boy, the gays keep us amused don't they.

By berg1928

I'm not laughing at the "gay" antics.

By swisher

Handbags at 20 paces,ladies.

By indy clossette

I hope the controversy doesn't leave a bad taste in his mouth

By mark

How about a closed fist right in your mouth?

By Happy and not Gay

I am tired of gays flaunting their sexual preference. Perverted, childish, fragile, drama queens. Everyone should be gay. That is why God made trees, so you can strap one on and stick it you-know-where. If you live in a cold climate, God made icicles. If you live in a hot climate, you have cacti. Now you have plastic and "D" cell batteries. There are more important things to worry about than what sissies do behind closed doors. Shut up all ready !! And as fast as you can say "homophobe", I can say "heterophobe".

By Lita

Wow. Sounds like you need more two-man fishing trips with your "best friend." Isn't that how you do it--when you're not advertising on craigslist in the men seeking men section, yet talk about yourself as being "straight?" Yeah, just what we all thought....

By Santa

I think the question is can a public gay Actor sell him self as James Bond...I think questions arise..not in minor or nonsexual straight roles...could we have a remake of Shaft or Superfly with white actors...Dont think so...

By Jayhawks #1

I don't watch pervert shows like that trash .

By Ruby

Well, then why are you even reading this article?

By dave

With everything else going on in this crazy world why does this kind of crap even get into the press. Some people need to find a real job and get a life.

By john

Of course a gay actor can play a straight part! Homhsexuality is a state of mind, not a state of being.

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