Arts & Entertainment
Adam Rippon admits Johnny Weir was ‘maybe’ jealous of him at Olympics
the 28-year-old figure skater says there are no plans for a hosting gig
Adam Rippon on ‘WWHL’ (Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)
Adam Rippon revealed there was “maybe” some jealousy from Johnny Weir during the Winter Olympics.
Both Rippon and Weir became two of the biggest stars at the Winter Olympics. In addition to his skating, Rippon received recognition for his candid and humorous remarks in interviews. Weir’s figure skating commentary, along with co-host Tara Lipinski, also was a hit with viewers who enjoyed the brutally honest judging.
Rumors began to swirl that Weir wasn’t pleased that the attention had shifted from him to newcomer Rippon.
While appearing on “Watch What Happens Live,” Rippon told Andy Cohen that there might be jealousy but he has no interest in being a host.
“Um, maybe,” Rippon says. “I think maybe. But you know what? I’m not coming for his job. I’m not coming for his gig.”
Rippon was offered a position as an NBC commentator for the Olympics but turned it down position.
“We’ve always reached out to each other and I’ve always thanked him,” he added. “I kind of feel like he helped make my way a little bit easier.”
Weir seemed to imply there was no jealousy on his end with a friendly tweet in support of Rippon.
“I’ve been friends with Adam and a fan of his skating for a long time. I think every Olympian deserves to return home to a hero’s welcome and I’m so happy that he’s doing so great and that our country believes in him! #realnews,” Weir tweeted.
I’ve been friends with Adam and a fan of his skating for a long time. I think every Olympian deserves to return home to a hero’s welcome and I’m so happy that he’s doing so great and that our country believes in him! #realnews
— Johnny Weir (@JohnnyGWeir) March 7, 2018
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
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The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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