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Protesters want Frenchie reinstated
Is “American Idol” racist?
That’s the claim being made at a protest today in Los Angeles.
At issue is the show’s treatment of two contestants in similar situations. Frenchie Davis, who is black, was booted back in 2003 after producers learned she’d posed for some racy pics. Four years later, nude photos of finalist Antonella Barba, who is white, have been plastered on a number of Web sites. Showrunners, however, don’t seem to care.
Double standard? It certainly appears that way.
Led by civil rights activist Najee Ali, the protesters hope “Idol” execs will give Frenchie a second chance. They’d like to see her added to the current crop of finalists, and they’ve even created an e-mail address where fans can write in to voice their support.
What do you think? Should Antonella be dismissed? Should Frenchie be reinstated? Let us know.
Idol chatter …
- Many have complained that the current crop of “Idol” finalists is too boring.
Host Ryan Seacrest doesn’t agree. They just need a little time to develop, he tells The Associated Press.
“We are SO early in the season and in the series, you also don’t want to be somebody (who) peaks too soon,” he said. “You want to make sure you’re good enough to stay in but you’re building with each week, so the audience gets behind you.”
Sure, Ryan. Anything to ensure you keep getting that fat paycheck.
Seacrest’s favorites this season? Melinda Doolittle and LaKisha Jones, just in case you were wondering. (And we know you were.)
Comments
By Ann
March 6, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
I agree they should either issue Frenchie an apology and kick off Antonella Barba or they should say “hey we made a mistake” and allow Frenchie into the competition right now and truly let America decide. This season of Idol is truly the “let all the former rejects back in season” all most all the contestants competing now have auditioned more than once. Why not let Frenchie in.
By Paula
March 6, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
From what I remember about Frenchie….it was reported that she did not disclosed the information about the so called nude pictures ahead of the airing of American Idol….maybe, just maybe Antonella did tell the producers ahead of time…perhaps that is the difference… “food for thought”… Adding Frenchie at this late date would be ridiculous. She needs to let go and move on. I truly believe she would not have won anyway. As for Antonella, what is the “big whoop”…sure she is pretty, but lets face it…she will not be the next American Idol..I don’t like her attitude and her singing is mediocre at best.
By Tanning Lotion
March 7, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this
Antonelle will have a career only it will probably be in nude modeling or doing some stupid TV game show.
By Candy G.
March 7, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this
Frenchie posed for her photos in a professional setting, didn’t tell the producers of Idol, therefore breaching her contract. PERIOD!!!!! Antonella’s “friend” released private photos, therefore NOT breaching her contract. PERIOD!!! I “think” Antonella should be voted off for her lack of talent, not her photos. PERIOD!!!!! She is probably getting the sympathy vote, or the testosterone vote. Whichever, she is the weakest link so far. I hope she can snap out of it and make her voter’s proud this week. I sure don’t want her on the Top 12 CD!