Rosie O'Donnell Blasts American Idol, Antonella Barba Photo Scandal
Rosie O'Donnell isn't a fan of American Idol.
The latest verbal smackdown from the host The View in regard to America's favorite reality show centered around Antonella Barba. Perhaps you've heard of her.
Because Idol canned former contestant Frenchie Davis (pictured here with Antonella) for her breast-baring snapshots, but kept current wannabe Barba despite hers - and because Davis is black and fat and Barba is, well, neither - Rosie went off on the show like it was produced by Donald Trump or something.
"It's weightist and wacist," said Rosie, sounding somewhat like a cartoon character.
Unlike her critique of the Tara Conner scandal, O'Donnell has a semblance of a point on this issue. But there are many sides to the story. In fact, here's Frenchie's:
"I think it's fantastic if American Idol has evolved and I think it's fantastic she won't have to go through what I went through four years ago," Davis told the New York Post. "But if the rules have changed, I believe there should be something to make up for the fact that I was humiliated needlessly."
March 6th, 2007 3:35 PM
I agree they should either issue Frenchie an apology and kick off Antonella Barba or they should say "hey we made a mistake" and allow Frenchie into the competition right now and truly let America decide. This season of Idol is truly the "let all the former rejects back in season" almost all the contestants competing now have auditioned more than once. Why not let Frenchie in.
March 6th, 2007 6:29 PM
What right does Rosie O'Donnell have to criticize whomever she pleases on national tv? It would be different if the person she was blasting was there to defend themselves, but she uses her soapbox to go after people that are not her concern. If she does not like American Idol, The Apprentice, Miss USA, etc, for God's sake, don't watch it. Frankly, I am SICK of Rosie and her attacks. Enough.
March 7th, 2007 9:37 AM
I don't think Frenchie really cares about American Idol now. She's done very well on Broadway since she was disqualified on A.I. It was the A.I. scandal that got her noticed. From Wikipedia:
Davis performed in Rent on Broadway in 2003 after appearing on American Idol. She sang the solo in the opening song of Act Two, Seasons of Love, and in ensemble roles such as Mrs. Jefferson (Joanne's mom), a woman with bags, a coat vendor, Mrs. Marquez (Mimi's mom) and others. She then left to star in a West Coast tour of the musical Dreamgirls. On June 1, 2005, Davis returned to her previous role in the Broadway production of Rent. It has been announced that Davis will leave Rent at the end of May 2007.
She currently lives in New York.
March 7th, 2007 11:56 AM
SHUT UP ROSIE ..You are not the expert on every issue .. all you are trying to do is give yourself more spotlight cause you have nothing else worthwhile to say or do ..you are a loser ..
March 7th, 2007 4:55 PM
Rosie is absolutely right on this one. There is no way anyone can't say that American Idol has a double standard. Fox/American Idol should at least offer Ms. Davis an public apology and boot Ms. Barba. Anything short of an public apology would be disgraceful. If Fox/American Idol doesn't offer Ms. Davis an apology, Frenchie would be wise to get herself the best attorney her money can buy and sue the hell out of Fox/American Idol!
March 7th, 2007 8:15 PM
Rosie just likes to ignite controversy. The racism accusation is a knee-jerk reaction. She wouldn't want to stop and consider any other possiblilities. Could it be that there's a difference between sexy pictures on the beach and hard core pornography. Rosie doesn't know what she's talking about.
March 7th, 2007 11:24 PM
I think that Rosie has a valid point. Even before she made that statement I was thinking the same thing! I think, firstly, that Antonella is one of the worst singers this season and that the racy pics are what's keeping her on the show. I find it interesting that none of the judges have even mentioned the fact. It's almost as if the producers have purposely instructed them to keep it on the down-low. I just looked at the pics and realized that they are a lot more revealing than what I had anticipated. With that in mind... fat, skinny, black, white, ugly, or beautiful...we're all people and everyone deserves to be treated equally.
March 7th, 2007 11:53 PM
I find it unbelievable that rosie is such an expert on every situation. if it was a homosexual she would protest that they shouldnt be kicked of but because its a young beautiful thin 20 year old girl all the things she is not nor ever has been aside from young, shes outraged. we all know rosie went home and looked at those pictures and they're the back ground on her home computer. but she'll say anything to boost ratings and cause controversy because she doesnt want to come to terms with the facts that shes a washed up has been complaining about everyone else. i would never had taken the time to right this if it wasnt rosie and this whole thing didnt frustrate me.
March 8th, 2007 12:02 AM
i wouldn't have wrote all that if i knew it would auto post. rosie's a big fat whinny bitch. shes mad because she has tits and can get away with wearing boxers w. dickholes and thats why she starts fights with all these gorgeous women . i hope she gets ahold of this message. maybe she will find it while shes beaten it to antonella and miss america.
March 8th, 2007 6:24 AM
wait wait wait just a second... isnt this the same Rosie ching chong ching O'Donnell who a few months back made racist jokes a few months back about asian people lol now she has the nerve to call other shows racist? lol give me a break... rosie no one cares what you think. it makes me wonder why you're even on tv or even on the news for that matter. why dont you just keep your mouth shut and just read the cue cards and keep your two cents to yourself. ;]
March 8th, 2007 12:02 PM
So Antonella Barba is white now? She sure doesnt look white. So is the point that Idol is somehow only racist *against* black people? Thats a real stretch considering the number of black contestants who do very well and the fact that of three judges, one is black and one is something other than white.
The reason is clearly that Barba is hot, did VERY racey pics, and as a result is a ratings getter.
March 8th, 2007 4:33 PM
I absolutely dispise Rosie, she ought to look in the mirror before she criticizes anyone. Making controversial remarks is what her career has devolved into on The View--it is pathetic.
It would be nice to give an apology to Frenchie. But, the notoriety of being booted off led to her success today. Perhaps she was humiliated at the time, but she wouldn't be on Broadway today if it were not for AI.
I am hoping Barber gets booted because she can't sing and proved to be a bitch in the team groupings. I am amazed that she even made the Top 24, there were other better performances with people who haven't posed nude.
The show is already having problems with bad singers progressing--3 of the boys should be gone. Apparently one will get through due to his teeny bopper fans. How he made the top boys is amazing as his whispery delivery cannot disguise he can't stay on tune.
The rule that should change is the equal boys and girls--how about just the best singers? It is unfair to the girls that 3 to 4 boys will advance who shouldn't have even made it to the top 24.
March 9th, 2007 1:02 AM
I guess it's much easier to believe that race or beauty (as perceived by mainstream America) played no part in AI's decision to keep Antonella on the show if you are not Black and are what is commonly thought of as "beautiful." However, when you are the same race as and/or you would more readily see Frenchie's face starring back at you in the mirror than Antonella's, it does not seem all that absurd. Frenchie was kicked off of the show because AI was allegedly a "family show" and her pictures did not comport with the show's family image. Frenchie is Black. Antonella was not kicked off the show despite her pictures (including the one of her purportedly engaging in a sexual act with another female). She is Caucasian. It's just that simple. If it walks like a duck and it talks like a duck, chances are--it's a duck.
I am aware that there are some who think that the mere fact that Black people have done "well" on the show and there is a Black judge means that AI could not possibly engage in discriminatory conduct based on race. Reasoning such as this usually makes me think about the old southern gentleman who calls every Black adult male a "boy." When he is confronted with his underlying feelings about Black people, he responds, "I'm not a racist, some of my best friends are Black. . . ." Essentially, it's absolution by association.
March 12th, 2007 2:09 AM
LNF. I understand where your going with your very well written yet wrong and pointless speach. The fact of the matter is not black or white, fat or thin, nor does it have anything to do with looks. The difference is the fact that Frenchie was posing for PORN to make money. Where Barba was posing for pictures for fun, for her boyfriend and yet revealing was not intended to be distribited. yet your intent was never to change anyones mind on the pictures but to try and make it seem as if ' mainstream America" does not understand the simple yet idiotic theories that you have come up with. The sad fact is that when this all came up YOU immediately had it in your mind that it was due to racism and thats what you ran with. which leaves me to believe that you should maybe reflect on yourself since you believe that the mainstream population is over looking it. were the fact of the matter is you are over analyzing it enough for everyone. Your preaching that what happened is covered up racism beacause YOU think it was, largly due to the fact that you are most likely racist yourself. so thank you have a nice day and dont try to sound smart when you are most obviously a complete and utter retard.
March 18th, 2007 12:36 PM
Nothing racist here. Frenchie was PAID to pose for a modeling assignment and Barba had personal photos never meant for the public stolen from her. Anybody who doesn't see the difference is stupid.
March 21st, 2007 12:06 AM
I can't stand you Rosie O Donnel, Barbera what were you and all the other people over there thinking? You knew she was a BIG MOUTH. A perfectly good show down the toilet Because of Mr Rosie O. My friends and I can't stand the show anymore. She spits her words at everyone. There is nothing entertaining or enjoyable about Mr Rosie. I pity her kids, her Sleepmate, And most of all anyone that has ever had to endure her company. What is it she is saying exactly? Most people are taught that if you want to learn you LISTEN. She never LISTENS so therefore she's just plain stupid! Always has been always will be. What a shame. Mr. Rosie Will you just Shut Up! The world has had enough of your ugly Blabbering HOLE!
March 24th, 2007 7:41 PM
Rosie O'Donnell has no right to make any kind of moral prescription whatsoever, and she certainly has no right to make charges of racism--especially after her unrepentant "ching-chong" incident last autumn. I'm sick and tired of Ms. O'Donnell's thinly veiled, spite-filled jealously, and I keep hoping for the day when Donald Trump follows through with his lawsuit. As for Antonella Barba, consider me a new fan. I never would have paid attention to Ms. Barba if Rosie has been able to keep her stupid, obstreperous mouth shut.
March 24th, 2007 7:47 PM
Rosie O'Donnell has no right to make any kind of moral prescriptions whatsoever, and she certainly has no right to make charges of racismâ€"especially after her unrepentant "ching-chong" incident last autumn. I'm sick and tired of Ms. O'Donnell's thinly veiled, spite-filled jealously, and I keep hoping for the day when Donald Trump follows through with his lawsuit. As for Antonella Barba, consider me a new fan. I never would have paid attention to Ms. Barba if Rosie had been able to keep her stupid, obstreperous mouth shut.
April 4th, 2007 4:43 PM
Well said Rosie! Shouldn't the rules be the same for EVERYONE regardless of how they look?Antonella was a rubbish singer anyway....what a waste of space, how the hell did she make it so far??????
April 21st, 2007 8:19 PM
Gayle wrote: "What right does Rosie O'Donnell have to criticize whomever she pleases on national tv?"
We all have the right to criticize whomever we want. We live in a free country. She has that right. You have that right. Even if you hate what she says, she has that right. Otherwise we don't live in a free nation anymore.