NBC Defends Itself Against Sharon Osbourne's Discrimination Accusations: Who's in the Right?
SodaHead Celebs
2012/08/08 16:00:00
|
|
|||||
|
163 votes
|
|
54% | |||
|
138 votes
|
|
46% | |||
Sharon Osbourne says she quit "America’s Got Talent" because NBC fired her son Jack from the reality show "Stars Earn Stripes" after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. But NBC denies any wrongdoing.
"I just can’t be fake," she told The New York Post. "It’s discrimination, and it was badly handled." She continued, "He didn’t want the money. He wanted his gig. It gave him something to look forward to when he was diagnosed. Think of the good that it could have done to show other people who have this [condition] that your life is not over."
But now, NBC is firing back. In a statement on Monday, NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt said the network "does not discriminate on any basis," according to The Associated Press.
But now, NBC is firing back. In a statement on Monday, NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt said the network "does not discriminate on any basis," according to The Associated Press.
"Stars Earns Stripes," which premieres Aug. 13, requires "dangerous water stunts, strenuous physical activity, and uses live ammunition," Greenblatt said, explaining that all potential contestants had to undergo medical vetting. Greenblatt added that Jack Osbourne was offered two alternative roles on the show but declined both.
"We have the deepest affection for Sharon Osbourne and consider her to be part of the NBC family," Greenblatt said. "And our hearts go out to her, Ozzy, Jack and his family at this time." Both sides admit that Jack hadn't signed a contract, but Sharon says he was fired by e-mail two days before he was set to start the gig. Who do you believe, Sharon or NBC?
Top Opinion
-
Deliciously Melicious 2012/08/08 18:04:21NBC
+10Just like with the Army if he didn't pass the physical, he can't participate. I'm sorry that it upset him and his family, but shouldn't his safety come first??
If they are doing "Military Training" activities, this could mean Obstacle courses, timed runs, calisthentics, five mile hikes in full packs and gear, and other physical challenges. NBC is absolutely right because if you don't believe a person is Physically fit enough to do this stuff without serious risk of injury or aggravating a pre-existing condition you should not let them go, period. If they did and he had some kind of severe injury, people would ask how they'd let him go and they'd be open for all kinds of damages suits. It isn't an easy show to get through, it is not meant to be, in the physical sense and they made the absolutely right call.
Trolliolio!