Rosie O'Donnell weighed in on the Frenchie/Antonella controversy this week on The View. Like other critics, Rosie accused Idol of being "racist" and "weightist" in their decision to disqualify Frenchie for racy photos, while basically ignoring Antonella's sexy pics. In a written statement, Idol Excutive Producer Nigel Lythgoe called Rosie's claims of racism and weightism "absurd and ridiculous."
Lythgoe also said, "Ms. O'Donnell has, once again, spoken without thought or knowledge. Viewers need only look at the show tonight to realize that American Idol constantly confirms to America that talent has nothing to do with weight or color."
Do racy internet photos of Antonella Barba (some real, some fake) tarnish the squeaky-clean family-friendly image of both the Idol contestant and the Idol franchise? Idol's producers obviously don't think so. They've decided to stand by Antonella. But four years ago, they weren't so supportive. They dismissed finalist Frenchie Davis when she told them about racy internet photos she had taken.
Jersey's own Antonella Barba may not win American Idol this year, but she's already become a household name, earning fame (or is it infamy?) thanks to a seemingly endless supply of naughty, naked, and nasty photographs (that become nastier by the day) appearing all over the internet.
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