ABC’s newest Bachelor, Juan Pablo Galavis seemed to be homophobic with his remark that gay people are more “pervert in a sense.” And ABC did not give a rose to Mr. Galavis for his comment. Instead they stated that his,
“comments were careless, thoughtless and insensitive, and in no way reflect the views of the network, the show’s producers or studio.”
During the interview, Bachelor Galavis said in response to there being a gay bachelor,
“I don’t think it is a good example for kids to watch that on TV. It would be too hard for TV.”
Since then, Mr. Galavis has apologized on his own Facebook page saying that it was an issue of the language barrier, that “pervert” was not the word that he meant to use. He also was in touch with a gay rights organization, GLAAD, where he expressed:
“I have heard from many gay Latinos today who are hurt because of what I said and I apologize. I know gay parents and I support them and their families. They are good parents and loving families. I am a father and I know the feel of being a father, why wouldn’t I want my gay friends to also be happy parents?
I also want gay and lesbian youth to know that it is fine to be who you are. Gay or straight, Black or White, Latin or American, what matters here is to respect who we are.
Gay and lesbian people, and the children they are raising, wrongfully face discrimination and I want them to know that I’m on their side.”
Although Mr. Galavis blames his vocabulary and language barrier, his portrayal in the limelight could have been saved with a few media interview techniques. His struggle for a response shows he also did not receive media coaching in either English or Spanish in order to understand what he should or should not say.
In the media, as in sports, the best defense is a good offense. Having Ready answers to bridge to when the media blindsides you with difficult questions is the answer!