In what may be the most unprecedented grudge match ever, Evander Holyfield‘s latest fight involves the singer Boy George, who slammed Holyfield for his anti-gay comments and suggestion that gay and lesbians can be “fixed.”
Holyfield, a former heavyweight boxing champion, went on a short rant during Sunday night’s episode of UK Celebrity Big Brother, after fellow contestant Luisa Zissman said that it’s unfortunate there aren’t more openly gay athletes in professional sports. “I think it’s good to be open like that because it’s normal,” she said.
Holyfield replied, “But that ain’t normal.” After Zissman argued that people are born as gay and lesbian, Holyfield continued: “It don’t make no difference. If you’re born and your leg was turned this way, what do you do? You go to a doctor and get it fixed back right.”
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In response, Holyfield had to contend with a public shaming by Boy George, who tweeted: “Shame, I had such admiration for Mr. Evander Holyfield. He seemed dignified and I was sure he was a cool, smart, giant!” He continued: “I think anyone visiting this country for any reason should be cautioned and forced to swear allegiance to ‘Queens & country!!”
Boy George added: “At customs there should be a huge sign! Welcome to Britain, racism, sexism, homophobia and bad hair are not tolerated!”
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Holyfied was also called in the confession room immediately after he made the comments, where the Big Brother producers warned him about his remarks: “Big Brother does not tolerate the use of offensive language and must therefore warn you to consider very carefully the effect expressing such views may have and the harm and offence you may cause by repeating these views inside the house.”
To make matters even worse for Holyfield, according to The Guardian, Channel 5, which airs Big Brother, could now potentially face an investigation by the British regulator Ofcom because of his comments, after the agency fielded several complaints from members of the public.
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