Judge's Critic of Same Sex Ballroom Dancers Sparks Controversy

So You Think You Can Dance judge Nigel Lythgoe has sparked the flame of gay rights activists over his comments on the So You Think You Can Dance premier. Nigel, who is a judge on the show and an executive producer for American Idol, sharply criticized contestants Misha Belfer and Mitchel Kibel after they auditioned with a same-sex samba routine.

Following the pair’s less than polished performance, Nigel told the pair, "I think you probably alienate a lot of our audience. I mean, we've always had the guys dance together on the show, but they've never really done it in each other's arms before. Do you know what? I'd like to see you both dancing with a girl."

Following the show, Nigel backed-up his comments by posting to his online blog: "The same-sex ballroom guys did remind me of Blades of Glory. However, I'm not a fan of Brokeback ballroom."

Officials at gay rights group GLAAD, who are demanding an apology from the TV mogul, have blasted his comments.

GLAAD president Neil G. Giuliano stated, "It's unacceptable for this kind of blatant homophobia to occur. Fox Entertainment and Nigel Lythgoe owe Misha, Mitchel and the whole LGBT community an apology."