Arts & Entertainment
Gay journalist Owen Jones walks off Sky News during Orlando shooting interview
Guardian writer leaves set during discussion
(Screenshot via YouTube)
Guardian writer Owen Jones stormed off the set of Sky News’ “Press Preview” after presenter Mark Longhurst and fellow guest Julia Hartley-Brewer refused to acknowledge the Orlando shooting as a homophobic-fueled hate crime.
Longhurst and Hartley-Brewer repeatedly dismissed the LGBT-focus of the tragedy causing Jones to get heated.
“If he went into a synagogue and killed innocent Jewish people, as we have had people in the past who have done that: ‘disgusting anti-semitic terrorist’ – we would call it out for what it is,” Jones says.
Hartley-Brewer began calling the gunman Omar Mateen a “lunatic” causing Jones to say to stop using words like “lunatic” to describe “homophobic terrorism.” Hartley-Brewer accused Jones of trying to take “ownership of the horror of this crime because you’re gay” to which Jones responded “I find this astonishing.”
Longhurst also said the attack was on “people enjoying themselves” and did not mention the specific community that was targeted.
“What are you talking about? I’m trying to understand the point you are making. This was a deliberate attack on LGBT people in an LGBT venue. It was a homophobic terrorist attack. Don’t you understand that? It’s not an abstract he picked a random club out of nowhere, he picked a club because it was full of people he regarded as deviants,” Jones responded.
Visibly upset, Jones later removed his microphone and left the stage. Following his outburst, Jones took to Twitter to comment.
“Thanks for all the lovely comments: but it really was just an instinctive reaction to an unpleasant situation, this isn’t about me,” Jones tweeted.
Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
The Washington Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
It’s an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nation’s first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).
McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three — Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall — are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochester’s campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth.
Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Blade’s Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sotheby’s, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
Andy Cohen, executive producer of “The Real Housewives” franchise and host of “Watch What Happens Live,” will return to Sixth & I on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
This event will be his fifth appearance at the venue to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, “The Daddy Diaries,” talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer audience questions about everyone’s favorite Bravolebrities.
Cohen will be in conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from “The Real Housewives” in congressional hearings.
Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“Herses- Purse Frist Extravaganza” will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Judy Shepard to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
Calendar: May 3-9
HHS reverses Trump-era anti-LGBTQ rule
4th Circuit rules gender identity is a protected characteristic
Pride season has begun
PHOTOS: Capital Pride Pageant
