#sytycd

Nigel Lythgoe of So You Think You Can Dance responds on Twitter to internet uproar over his homophobic remarks on last night's show in response to a pair of same-sex dancers.

If you missed it, all the background is HERE.

UPDATE. Nigel Lythgoe issued an apology for his remarks. Here is his statement, via GLAAD:

“I sincerely regret the fact that I have upset people
with the poor word choices and comments I made both during the taping
of the ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ audition and on my personal status
update. I am not homophobic and it was extremely upsetting for me to be
classed as such.

I have been forthright and consistent with my opinion,
as a judge, that professional male dancers should move with strength
and agility — like Gene Kelly and Rudolph Nureyev. I now realize how
this could be misconstrued.

I have been a dancer, and involved in the dance world,
for nearly 50 years. Professionally and personally, I believe the
sexual orientation of an auditioner or contestant is irrelevant. All
that said, the fact that I have unintentionally upset people is
distressing to me and it is obvious I have made mistakes that I must
learn from. I trust that my humor will be more sensitive and mindful
moving forward.”

Said GLAAD President Neil Giuliano: “We certainly appreciate the dialogue, and the opportunity for Nigel to
help further educate people about how words and images matter. His sincere words are appreciated, and we look forward to
words, images and representations of the LGBT community on So You Think You Can Dance that will be fair, accurate and inclusive in the future.”