‘Duck Dynasty’ Star’s Anti-Gay Comments: Clay Aiken Weighs In

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http://tv.yahoo.com/news/duck-dynasty-star-anti-gay-comments-clay-aiken-191834248.html

Former “American Idol” contestant Clay Aiken offered his thoughts on the scandal surrounding “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson’s anti-gay comments on Thursday night, saying that such comments and attitudes are “built out of fear.”

Clay dropped in to discuss the topic on “The Arsenio Hall Show” on Thursday, telling his former “Celebrity Apprentice” castmate that Robertson’s comments prove that society still has “a long way to go” in accepting homosexuality.

Also read: ‘Duck Dynasty’ Clan ‘Cannot Imagine’ Doing Show Without Phil Robertson

“I think it certainly shows that we’ve got a long way to go when it comes to people being accepting and understanding,” Aiken, who came out as gay in 2008, said. “Homophobia, racism …. all of it’s built out of fear. All of it’s out of fear. And if you grow up in an area like Louisiana and you’re not exposed to diversity, then you can be afraid of things.”

Aiken also expressed frustration with the Robertson defenders who’ve said that the reality TV star has a right to free speech.

Also read: ‘Duck Dynasty’ Fallout: GLAAD Reeling From Biggest Backlash in Years, Says Rep

“I think the thing that frustrates me the most is that there have been people who’ve come out today and said, ‘It’s free speech, it’s free speech,’” Aiken continued. “And I would ask them … if the person had said something about interracial marriage, or said that we should put all children with disabilities in institutions, would we still say, ‘Well, that’s free speech, we’re okay with that opinion?’ And I think the answer is no.”

Aiken did, however, say that society has made progress in its acceptance of gays — though total acceptance isn’t likely to happen anytime soon.

Also read: Sean Hannity, ‘Duck Dynasty’ Fans Target A&E Executives as Phil Robertson Fallout Gets Personal

“Homophobia is one thing that we’re still a little accepting of in certain areas. I think it’s progress; we’ll get there,” Aiken offered. “I don’t have any belief or any designs on the fact that it’s going to happen overnight.”

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comment section worth a read.

[mountaineer]

Aw geez, are we going to have to hear from every homosexual celebrity now? And could we please stop using the word "homophobia," when fear has nothing to do with it?