Source: OutSports, Sydney Daily Telegraph, AfterElton
Matthew Mitcham
photo via Daily TelegraphNBC Olympics President Gary Zenkel has issued an apology for his reporting team not mentioning on air that
gold-medal diver Matthew Mitcham is gay and long-term partner.
Gay media had complained commentators discussed the partners of other gold medallists after their win.
"We regret that we missed the opportunity to tell Matthew Mitcham's story. We apologize for this unintentional omission," Zenkel is quoted as saying by OutSports.
The statement comes after an NBC spokesperson defended the network's decision not to mention it.
Before the Olympics, Mitcham said he just wants to be known as a successful Australian diver, and his sexuality should not be an issue, but his public coming-out was covered by the Sydney Morning Herald. Mitcham also told reporters before the Olympics that coming out publicly had helped him find the balance in his life that he needed to dedicate himself to his sport.
AfterElton's editor Michael Jensen comments, "If nothing else, we at least know the highest reaches of NBC Sports are aware of the issue. Hopefully, something like this won't happen again."
OutSport's Cyd Zeigler, Jr suggested that the network should fix the situation by covering Mitcham's story on another program. "Couldn't they make good by doing a story on Mitcham on one of their news or talk shows? That would certainly show a deep acknowledgment that they messed up."
Source: NBC apologizes for Mitcham `gay' snub | OutSports
President of NBC Olympics on Matthew Mitcham: "We apologize for this unintentional omission." | AfterElton
NBC sorry for Matthew Mitcham gay 'snub' | Daily Telegraph
Last modified: 28 Aug 08 10:10
area_aus-nz, matthew mitcham