8/26/09: The Executive Vice President has issued an apology to Ericka Aviance and the LGBT community
“Much of the success of The Wendy Williams Show is due to our incredibly diverse and colorful audience and we all agree that fashion is a true form of self expression. But in an attempt to explain and enforce our show’s dress code, I was not as sensitive as I could have been to Ericka, the LGBT community or drag’s long history of being a target of discrimination. And for that, I sincerely apologize as it was never my intention to offend in any way.” ~ Lonnie Burstein, Executive Vice President, Programming & Production, Debmar-Mercury (GLAAD).
8/14/09: The Wendy Williams Show is a syndicated talk show by the "shock jockette" herself who talks about a range of topics. Wendy Williams has been considered a friend to the gay community, often appearing to be a drag queen herself, and using many gay terms on the show. That's why it came as a surprise to drag singer Ericka Toure Aviance who was blocked from appearing on the show due to her outfit.
Aviance says "she wore "a black baby-doll dress, heels, tights, and standard makeup — not even anything sparkly … a ponytail piece and a bang piece".What is really hypocritical is the fact that the Wendy Williams website does state this about their dress code policy:
While standing in line outside the studio Wednesday morning, the group was approached by a female intern who noted the fact that Aviance was a drag queen. “She took my name down, so we thought we were about to get VIP treatment,” Aviance recalls. “After another hour we got to the door, and there’s this little white man standing there giving us the eyeball. He gets in our way to prevent us from going in, and he says, ‘You’re in violation of our no-costumes dress code. We usually don’t do this, but we know you’ve been waiting out there for a while, so we’re going to let you in. But you can’t appear on camera, and if you get up for Hot Topics or try to ask Wendy a question, you’ll be removed from the building" (Advocate).
Is there a dress code?So it appears that Aviance was mistreated for being a drag queen and not based on her attire because her outfit certainly is not a costume.
YES! All audience members may appear on camera. Think trendy…think stylish…think chic! Above all else, think WENDY! Bright colors look best on TV and we ask that you refrain from wearing white. Floral prints and other crazy patterns don’t look good on camera, and we know you want to look your best! Absolutely no hats, sunglasses, costumes, shirts with logos/writing, shorts, or casual tank tops will be permitted.(Wendy Show).
The Wendy Williams show does not have an official contact form, I urge you to leave a message on her blog, use the Ask Wendy on her site, or contact her via twitter to request an apology.
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21 comments:
who cares?...who watches that tired Amazon's show?..she is the most ignorant illiterate host I have ever seen on TV...
She is the most Ghetto thing there is on TV..her show will not last.
perhaps SHE should not be allowed on her own show...what with all the weaves and FAKE hair and God awful make-up she herself wears.
blah...this is a non issue...
Wendy WHO?...LOL
I'm assuming by the picture that it was Ericka Toure Aviance that was refused entry. I saw Aviance and assumed Kevin. I guess they won't be talking Wendy up on the podcast anymore.
Wendy Who-Cares anyway. I like intelligent information.
WELL THAT ISN'T WENDY TELLS THE STORY ON HER BLOG...
It was the Wendy Show staff not Wendy's doing herself, but the show needs to be held accountable. I didn't see anything on her blog about addressing it.
It was a simple misunderstanding between Erika and the staff, and I suspect Erika was pulling major shade on them. This isn't politics - it is just an error. Pick up a worthwhile cause.
These comments kill me. If this was just a gay or lesbian in regular clothing, you all be up in arms. Since it's a drag queen, I guess it's ok. WTF?
Sh*t, I thought it was the Wendy O. Williams show...wrong decade, though I think that one would be better.
I can't for the life of me figure out why they considered Aviance's outfit to be a "costume." That in itself was one of the most discriminating things they could've done. Every time I see Wendy anyway I think "drag queen." Her show is nothing but all gossip about other celebrities anyway. I'll be glad when it gets cancelled!
Wendy Williams should just be appologizing for being on the air at all. Her show is effing awful.
Her show is ok people are so rude and ignorgant watch it or just turn the channel.
wendy you ARE wonderful LOVE your SHOW
is wendy A MAN OR WOMAN please LET us KNOW
Wendy Williams is the most ghetto person on TV.
She give out to much info on herself and everyone else. She on her period, who gives a F@#$. Neither do I care about her implants. You can tall she use to be a crackhead.
wendy williams keep up the good work i love you and your show.I watch your show every day.I hope you stay on tv.
How you Do-In Haters
I'm glad they apologized. Ericka is amazing and shouldn't be made to feel that way. Let's move on. But they should have Ericka on the show and have Wendy do a personal apology and perform "My Pumps."
HOW YOU DOIN?? LOL
Good work Wendy, I agree 1000%.
Ericka also got a personal apology and invite back from Wendy's gay exec producer and later Wendy herself! Jonny McG
I think she looks like a big boned girl. This is not the first time, anyone has seen a bigger than usual girl. As far as the format of her show, even before, when she was on the radio, she was about the gossip, that's her gimmick, so sue her, what about shows like TMZ? same format. As usual, our society hates anyone that looks different or acts differently. How can anyone say that she is the most ghetto person on the air, Oh my gawd, Wendy? Ghetto? Lord have mercy there are soooooo many other people on TV that are way more ghetto, in fact I don't see ghetto in Wendy at all. People are so rude and crazy these days. Go Wendy! Keep up the good work, I love the show!
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