Dozens of professional male dancers have had the final say after Good Morning America (GMA) host Lara Spencer appeared to shame six-year-old Prince George for taking ballet classes.
Last week, GMA aired a segment about Prince George’s new-year school curriculum, which included ballet lessons.
"We'll see how long that lasts," Spencer said, laughing.
Viewers were quick to criticise the host's mocking tone, pointing out that enforcing boys to participate in traditional pass-times and activities can be a formative cause of toxic masculinity later on in life.
That wasn't the end of it, though. A group of male dancers refused to let the TV host's sexist stereotyping go unchecked, gathering in Times Square on Monday morning to hold a dance class outside GMA's studios.
“In response to Lara Spencer’s harmful mocking of young boys (in this case, Prince George) who enjoy taking ballet classes, a group of professional male dancers led a class for boys and girls outside the Good Morning America studio this morning,” tweeted Netflix social media manager Jarett Weiselman.
He added: “A lovely sight to wake up to.”
Spencer issued an apology over the weekend for her “insensitive” comments regarding Prince George's ballet lessons.
“My sincere apologies for an insensitive comment I made in pop news yesterday,” she wrote in an Instagram post.
“From ballet to anything one wants to explore in life, I say GO FOR IT. I fully believe we should all be free to pursue our passions. Go climb your mountain-and love every minute of it.”
Spurred on by the dancing protest, Spencer also apologised on air Monday.
“I screwed up,” she said, according to Deadline.
“The comment I made about dance was insensitive, it was stupid, and I am deeply sorry… I have listened, I have learned about the bravery it takes for a young boy to pursue a career in dance.”
