Fox News removes executive's controversial column that criticized USA Olympics team for becoming 'darker, gayer'

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February 9, 2018 8:51 PM

Fox News removed an opinion column written by one of its top executives, John Moody, on Friday after critics called it "racist and homophobic."

Fox News removed an opinion column written by one of its top executives, John Moody, on Friday after critics called it "racist and homophobic."
Fox said Moody's column "

Fox News removed an opinion column written by one of its top executives, John Moody, on Friday after critics called it "racist and homophobic."

In the piece, Moody, an

"No sport that we are aware of awards points ― or medals ― for skin color or sexual orientation," he wrote. "So, while uncomfortable, the question probably needs to be asked: were our Olympians selected because they're the best at what they do, or because they're the best publicity for our current obsession with having one each from Column A, B and C?"

In response to Fox's distancing from Moody, New York Times TV critic James Poniewozik tweeted, "Only a few people have had more to do with the views and values of Fox News than John Moody."

Critics, including prominent gay rights organizations, spoke out as the column circulated online.

"These athletes are at the Olympics because they already won by qualifying to represent the United States on the world's stage; and they did so despite facing discrimination from places like Fox News throughout their careers," Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, told the Hollywood Reporter. "Moody should not only apologize to the athletes and fans for this disgraceful post, but Fox News should open their site for diverse athletes to share their own personal stories and perspectives."

Catherine Sakimura, deputy director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, called the column "racist and homophobic."

Some journalists took to Twitter to join in the critique.

"Oh, hey, it's the executive editor and executive vice president of Fox News saying the United States should embarrassed by the diversity of its Olympic athletes,"en Freed tweeted.

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