Bill O’Reilly won’t admit to being a homophobe, but he always manages to find an issue with gay folks — always under the guise of “I don’t have a problem with this, but AMERICA MIGHT!” The bigoted Fox News anchor just discovered American Idol‘s Adam Lambert, who is expected by bookies to win the contest. For a guy who professes to be so knowledgeable, O’Reilly walked into this segment not even understanding how Idol voting works. (It goes like this: Americans vote, and the contestants with the most votes stay in the competition. Difficult, we know.) And while O’Reilly wishes Lambert “the best” with his Idol dreams, his entire newspeg for the segment was the photos of Lambert kissing other dudes, which surfaced on the web weeks ago. His producers were sure to block out the actual lip locking in the photos of Lambert kissing other dudes — photos which O’Reilly calls “embarrassing.” If Lambert does win, we’re sure O’Reilly will blame the “illegal aliens.”
The conversation about whether Lambert being gay could affect his chances of winning Idol is a worthy one. We’ve had that same discussion right here on this site. But when O’Reilly involves himself in the fracas, he’s proven over and over it’s not to engage in rational debate, but to stir up hatred and homophobia.
Sarina
Is Bill O’Reilly capable of saying anything positive about gay people ?
Since when is Adam Lambert’s possible homosexuality an issue needed to be discussed?
rogue dandelion
O’Reilly outs Lambert… the world shrugs.
Nickadoo
Well, his hair is purple and he’s wearing body glitter. That constitutes “embarrassing” in my book, and I’m not homophobic.
O’Reilly is still a homophobic asshole, though.
Shauntom
The most troubling thing about this segment is that they cropped out the mouths of the guys… as if the show is saying that two guys kissing is indecent enough to censor…
Aaron J.
I doubt Lambert is “embarrassed.”
mylilpip
much ado about nothing
Smokey Martini
O’Reilley got OWNED, and it was a pleasure watching him squirm!
He had no case for an argument this time, that fucker.
Andy
I’ve always said: if illegal aliens were allowed to vote in presidential elections, Lance Bass would be running this country.
Doug
We are winning!!!
ChristopherM
@Andy:
What the fuck is Lou Dobbs doing on here making even less sense than usual?
dgz
i didn’t think i could like him any less. wrong again.
Joeb1212
I too find Adam Lambert embarassing – but for his shrieking, not his dumb ass tranny photos……
Pragmatist
These pics were kind of uh, on the Internet, forever ago. Newsworthy now?
Jason
once again this younger generation has to be smarter. if you are concerned that something is going to come back and “haunt” you then make sure not to tape it. plane and simple.
OhYeah
O’Reilly is generally gay-neutral or gay-positive (the best is still when he told that African-American homophobe activist off by stating he saw NO connection between homosexuals and child-molestors, as the activist was trying to claim), and I think he’s correct on this. But he’s always talking, in general, about how the internet is used to attack people.
Ian
“Can illegal aliens vote?”
Yes they can, Bill. Just like your mom.
thatbluejeansguy
Bill O’Reilly is a caricature, and really does not need any further publicity than he gets.
nature boy
I wish one of the women would have responded, “Yes, Bill, in fact, even old white bigots can vote for American Idol.”
jaden
Bill O’Reiley is such a jerk!!! He’s so ignorant and low IQ! he is so naive about the things that he is not, and he acts like he’s above everyone else!!!
Queerky
“Photos that hint that he may be a homosexual”? Hint? Hello? Wearing a fuscia shirt is hinting. French kissing a another guys tonsils is not a hint Mr. O’ Reiley. You have les brain cells than I gave you credit for.
Darren
@Sarina: @Sarina:
Bill O the problem with him is there ARE people that listen to him; what does that say about this country?
Joe
I can’t believe I’m going to do this – but I’d like to defend O’Reilly here. If you watch the segment carefully, O’Reilly never once does anything beyond *posing the question* whether Lambert’s sexuality *might* have an influence on the AI voters. Given how many AI voters are teenage girls with major Zac Efron crushes, I’d venture to say that it’s a valid (albeit, not that interesting/newsworthy, as others have pointed out..) question.
In the past, it has been alleged by gay idols like Jim Verraros or Clay Aiken that their sexuality might have had an influence, and this is what kept them from coming out while on the show. I feel that O’Reilly’s bringing up the topic was merely a testament to how American culture might have changed in the few years that have passed since Aiken/Verraros’ time on the show.
It is clear that O’Reilly meant no harm, and considering the source, the fact that this coverage is certainly gay-neutral, I’d take that as something not worth raising a stink about, particularly as gay Iraqis are being murdered by their government (which we helped to empower with our military actions).
jo
Oh, O’Reilly is so last century. Doesn’t he realize that practically every straight person in America has gay friends,if not family members! Who cares? American Idol is a singing competition and those photos have been all over the internet for weeks. Women are voting for Adam Lambert in droves (for the same reason guys are). He’s talented, sweet and gorgeous. In fact, AI this season IS Adam Lambert. So take that O’Reilly. Adam is a slam dunk and, if you don’t like him, don’t vote for him.
Rob W.
First off Bill is ridiculously late with this. Second off, his attempts at a casual railroading are unbelievably juvenile and asinine.
Ben
@Joe: “It is clear that O’Reilly meant no harm, and considering the source, the fact that this coverage is certainly gay-neutral, I’d take that as something not worth raising a stink about, particularly as gay Iraqis are being murdered by their government (which we helped to empower with our military actions).”
The hell?
the fact that Billo is “reporting” on this and not the dead gay Iraqis makes it clear that he is using gay panic to stoke the homophobic agita of numbskull FauxNews trogdolytes and is certainly not “gay-neutral”
BrianZ
Maragaret was hilarious. Monica was blah.
O’Reilly is a douche. Even the other people are on his show can barely hide that they think he’s a douche.
jason
If it was “two hot chicks”, he’d be saying it’s “cute”.
unclemike
@jason: No, he’d still say it was disgusting, but he would roll that B-footage over…and over…and over again.
cubby
If Lambert truly will not lose votes by “coming out” directly on the show (& by this I mean, acknowledging that he is a gay man which he as yet has not done), then why hasn’t he done it already? Because he knows as well as the producers know that he WILL lose votes in more homophobic areas of the country. Given that, O’Reilly IS a tool.
vernonvanderbilt
@cubby: Maybe it has something to do with the fact that, in a singing competition, sexuality is not relevant? Besides that, look at the guy…who says he even needs to come out? It should be apparent to anyone with the ability to discern anything beyond the blatant.
getreal
I can’t imagine what it is like to be Bill O’Reilly. He truly hates anyone who is not like him. The only thing embarrassing in this report is everything that comes out of his mouth.
rogue dandelion
@cubby: really, what would you have him do?
should they say text to 13 if you want to vote for gay adam?
really it is quite obvious, and if anyone wants to know there is a little thing called the internet. besides, isn’t being labeled as other when it has no bearing to the situation at hand one of the things we’ve been fighting against?
GracieXDoes
Soooo not a fan of the screeching Adam, BUT that’s just my taste in music. His sexuality is absolutely irrelevant in this competition. As it well should be based on his singing talents alone. He seems to be great kid and I am really proud for him for all that he has accomplished. He seems to have had a pretty tough go of it in the music biz and now he has found an outlet that appreciates his creativity.
AND I am a huge fan of Bill O’Reilly. Sometimes I agree with him & sometimes I disagree. I do like the fact that he puts it all out there and doesn’t tiptoe around a subject whether he agrees with it or not. But then again I am not afraid of someone with different view than my own.
jason
How do you even know that he’s gay? He could be bisexual for all you know. Don’t assume that every man who kisses a man is gay. It’s arrogant to do so.
Glenda
As usual–he got the news a tad late. Does anyone remember the very married Bill O was caught up with sexual harassment charges against him? Oh–they went away–when he cut her a check. Yup–a gay unmairrried guy is socially below a cheating married man — only in Bill’s book. Tsk! Tsk! Only shut ins watch him.
Linda
I don’t think Adam is in the least bit embarrassed. What’s his face should be embarrassed for making such a big deal out of it. I think the pictures are HOT!!
Anne
Bill O’Reilly is such a ahole! He must be a fan of Kareoke!
Leanne
Because this is important enough to report on…Really?
zapno
This clip looked like Bill didn’t even want to do this “story”.
And, of course, he hates it when anyone want to express their views if their views aren’t his views. As usual, this asshole had no idea what he was talking about and didn’t want to let anyone else finish a sentence to explain it.
ashley
ummmm it doesnt matter if he is gay or not he has good looks and a very good voice and it is ouvious that he will atleast get 2nd place but he is gay but that isnt going to change anything but he will not go very because he is……27 YEARS OLD and could be bi u never no….
skylar
mayb adam is gay but that is what he wants 2 b we shuldnt judge him on how he lives he is very talented and the judges seem to like him and he is hot and we shulndt b all up in his life he is gre4at people like him that is all wat matters
lilo
who gives a fuck. if this was on any other news network no one would say anything, but since bill o reilly said it, its like a cue for all the angry liberals to swarm. lmao, dumb bigots…gosh you better hurry up and get all the insults out, maybe you can actually convince someone.
adam lambert is the sex, who gives a shit if he is gay, who gives a shit what bill o reilly says
James
I’m pretty sure the ENTIRE FUCKING COUNTRY has latched on to the fact that Adam Lambert might–*might*–be just a little bit gay. Maybe just a teensy weensy bit. That said, check out the online polls: Lambert smokes the other contestants in every one. Vegas odds-makers are putting their money on him. For chrissake sake, fans have even started a club for the guy, though they can’t seem to figure out if they want to be called Fanberts or Glamberts. He’s being compared to Freddie-fucking-Mercury! I’m pretty sure no one has an issue that Adam Lambert may definitely be a homa-sexshul. Dude’s a star, regardless.
melissa
i love adam he is amazing and i dont think it will hurt his chances of winning if he gay, i mean hes an amazing singer and O’Reilly can go die in hole 4 all i care. adam still has a very good chance of winning cause hes VERY good
vernonvanderbilt
Okay, peeps…’fess up. Who left the illiterate teenyboppers exhibit unlocked? You’re not going to get in trouble; it’s just important that you tell us so we can prevent this in the future, mkay?
oeendrila
no they won’t. and it’s none of your business. o’reilly should not even bother voting, adam needs no homophobe’s vote irrespective of his sexuality.
it is repulsive to see the way he sticks his disgusting twopence under that (forceful) cool demeanour. eek.
Courageous1
O’Reilly should be embarrassed that he thinks Adam Lambert is embarrassed by these photos. I love Adam, not cuz he’s gay but because he’s THE alltime best entertainer to grace American Idol’s stage. Adam hasn’t disappointed me any week. He’s consistent, he’s humble, and he seems like a really nice guy and THAT’s why I love him so. So go fuck yourself O’Reilly with your old boy network antiquated comments. I hope Adam dates your son if u have one.
Dani Dhewit
Why the hell would he be embarassed?? Um hello, its just an innocent kiss, i think its beautiful. GET A CLUE BILL YOU STALE OLD FART!
As a mother, and the sister of a fabulous georgous gay Brother im telling you i would be PROUD for Adam to date my son or brother!
AUSTRALIA LOVES YOU ADAM!!
Nancy
Could he be any more of an ass? Who cares if Adam Lambert is gay or not? He is an insanely brilliant, unique performer!!! I find it mind boggling how stipid bill o”reilly is…. Young girls and boys would fantasize about Adam because of who he is, even if he was straight. My 12 year old daughter is a bit sad though! = ) I am a 40 year old straight mom, and I will buy his cd for myself and my daughter because of his raw talent.
Chloe
Wow this really clears a big part of him that I did not know of. I didnt even know he was gay. Nor, of course a drag queen. Well, I really think he likes Allison even though he is like 27 something like that. I can tell when a girl likes a boy and/or the other way around. I think they kind of have a connection between each other. If you watch the show and just try to watch them when you get a chance live, they sit next to each other, when the group in the beginning sings they are close to each other. You can just tell I mean when they are together on the couch they hug each other a lot to celebrate still being here and, touch each other with their hands. (Not in a sexual kind of way.) I may not be so sure but, im taking a guess. Maybe might not be too into each other but, I am thinking they are a little bit attracted to one another. Oh and my favs are Allison and Adam.
LIN
It is apparent that America has totally lost any sense of moral decency. I am not surprised at anything anymore and since everyone has their own personal talent why do we have to except what our forefathers DID consider sin and immorality and condone it by making a star out of anyone whose lifestyle is offensive before God. Although God is a loving God, He is also a JUST God and praising a lifestyle choice that is against Him should remind us the historical destruction of Sodom versus why our country founded on morals, virtues and ethics. Have we so tainted our historically founded morals for the deception called political correctness? . Wake up, America! Where have your values gone? The language on the above comments is self-explanatory. Have we now become our own Demi-Gods and can judge ourselves without thought for why America has kept her freedom for so long? And no! I don’t have to accept another’s lifestyle…that is not what loving your neighbor means! I am ashamed and saddened that so many have become blind to what morals truly are and how it has developed our children into adults without any type of conscience, respect or concern for their fellow man. Talent or no talent, just whose lifestyle do you want your children to idolize???
thatbluejeansguy
Lin,
Our forefathers were not as united on the topics of morals, virtues, and ethics as your revisionist history would like to say, and frankly, their own personal lives were as scandalous as anything that any public figure can think of doing.
And nobody is praising anybody’s lifestyle, and if they were, what of it? By your extremely judgmental attitude, God will take care of them while you are singing away in Heaven’s choir.
And let us look at Adam’s behavior on the show thus far:
1. He has always been respectful and loving toward his parents.
2. He has always been respectful toward the judges–even when he faced harsh criticism.
3. He has always been respectful toward the mentors on the show.
4. He has been true to himself and not compromised one bit when it came to his artistic expression.
5. When he was in the bottom three this past week, he took it all in stride, congratulated Kris when he went back to safety, and returned Matt’s hug when Matt was voted off.
So, what qualities would you NOT want your children emulating? Seems like he has plenty of conscience, respect, and concern for his fellow humans. So what if he may or may not be attracted to members of his own gender. Frankly, I’d much rather a child of mine idolize him than, let’s say, Britney or her ilk.
Also, you might want to check out Matthew 10:14-15 to see what Jesus had to say about Sodom. He’s not talking about sex here; he’s talking about bad hospitality. Food for thought, no?
Pish Tush
@Jason: I think the point is, Adam is NOT embarrased by the photos, nothing will come back to “haunt him”, because there is nothing wrong with him kising another man. Gay people and gay-friendly people vote for IDOL in huge numbers (my friends’ teeny-bopper daughters among them, who vote, I swear, non-stop for Adam until there thumbs hurt!). No body really cares if a pop idol is gay! Kiss away!
Pish Tush
@thatbluejeansguy: Thanks, I agree totally!
Pish Tush
@LIN: Lin,
I would be proud of any child who followed the path his God-given true self. You absolutely do not have to accept another’s lifestyle, but you can do nothing to prevent him/her from living it. Thrive in your beliefs, let others thrive in theirs. That’s an America to be proud of!
Bobbi
What is the point of this? Gay or not, talent always prevails, and we’ve known this for centuries upon centuries. It’s the photos. Homophobes (aka haters) simply cannot handle two men kissing. They can hardly address their own sexuality. Yet 50% of them beg their girlfriends to do them with a strap-on. (according to my research, lol) This is about a preceived threat to traditional family values. Yes, the same old sh*t.
People like Adam simply do not come around too often. He is an Idol. O’Reilly should be giving high praise to this amazing performer. He blew it. As usual. Your traditional “values” are being challenged, sir. Now move over because the world is passing you by.
PS I want to see those photos. I’m a straight woman who thinks Adam’s dripping with sex appeal. The man’s RED HOT. Gay or straight, doesn’t matter one bit. Know what’s really gross? Bill O’Reilly kissing a woman. Puke out!
TANK_SOLDIER
HAHA Wow you guys are really stupid I’m sorry. I’m sure none of you also watch O’Reilly. I do, and here’s the thing… He was ASKING if his sexuality+Photos would have any kind of effect on his chances of winning. Didn’t sound like he was being mean at all, The photos were somewhat of a story because they all of a sudden popped up, when he was advancing in the show. SO O’Reilly wanted to know if this would hurt him or not.
MOST of you also missed the end where he said he hopes the kid does well, I didn’t hear not one negative thing coming from O’Reilly towards Adam. You guys also missed the part where he condemns whoever put these photos of Adam out on the net. He thought the person who did so, was trying to hurt Adam’s career/chances, so he said it was wrong.
Darren Ackerley
@TANK_SOLDIER:
I just watched the video, and even though I can’t STAND Bill O, I have to agree with the Tank! Who knows, the pictures may have been a publicity stunt to win over the pink vote? It’s just entertainment folks. I truly don’t believe Bill O was trying to hurt Adam at all. But shit! What a talent, I cannot believe he didn’t win, but that’s what you get when you buy Midwestern pre teen and early teenage girls a cell phone, they voted for that all American kid with the clean cut Mormon from Salt Lake city look.
JeusSaves
You who are supporting Adam Lambert and his homosexual lifestyle should stop. If Adam does not confess is sins to Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness and turn away from his wicked ways he will be going straight to HELL and thats a fact. Remember people the wages of sin is still death, but Jesus still saves.
JesusSaves
God is calling you, turn away from your evil ways.
romeo
Saw some clips from Adam’s Grammy red carpet gig. Liked his jacket, but it wasn’t tailored well. Cut too short.
Arlie
@JeusSaves:
You’re ridiculous. Take your bigoted self out of here.