Arts & Entertainment
Hockey announcer calls gay couple’s kiss-cam ‘disgusting’ on air
the P.A. apologized for comments made during the game
(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)
A U.K. hockey announcer is apologizing after humiliating a gay couple who participated during the game’s kiss-cam, The Star reports.
The moment occurred during a hockey match between the Sheffield Steelers and Cardiff Devils. Hockey announcer David Simms was giving commentary during the game’s kiss-cam which was trying to find a couple to win tickets for the Challenge Cup.
When the cam landed on the gay couple Simms said, “That’s disgusting. Security, get rid of them.”
Simms took to social media to say the comment was a joke and he meant no offense. Not everyone was willing to accept the apology.
@Simmsey “I genuinely meant no offense” is not an apology. How about “I realise what I said was unacceptable and apologise unreservedly”.
— Mags (@ViciousValkyrie) March 6, 2017
Surely it’s now time for @officialEIHL to kick the racist homophobe David Simms out. Please do the decent thing. No place for either today!
— Craig Forman (@FormanCraig) March 4, 2017
Simms later went on to make an apology statement to The Star.
“I am not homophobic, you have known me long enough. I haven’t got a bad bone in my body,” Simms told The Star. “If the comments made upset or offended anybody then of course I apologize completely.”
“Maybe I live in a different world, I can’t really see the offense I have caused. But if people have been offended…people who know me know I don’t like to offend. And I am truly sorry if I did do,” Simms continued.
The Sheffield Steelers also made a statement defending Simms and insisting that the joke was not meant to offend the LGBT community.
“The club would like to put on record our sincere apology to any fans or members of the LGBT community who were offended by comments made by David Simms during the game on Saturday 4th March,” the statement reads. “In no way did Mr. Simms intend what was said in a derogatory or offensive way. David Simms has personally apologized to fans on social media, the club, the EIHL and has been in touch with LGBT direct.”
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
