Carla sent a message to Stephen Burke that said:
âªRegarding AGT clip aired 9/13/2017 of Tyra and Simon watching AGT highlights with kids:
Dear Sir,
Last night my family watched AGT together, and I had the challenge of explaining to my children why they aired a clip of kids who one minute are asking Simon to be nicer yet a minute later they are all gleefully agreeing that they hate clowns and then high five each other about it in pack mentality solidarity before any have even taken one moment to watch the contestant Puddles Pity Party\'s act or consider how their jeering would make him feel. The producers may have thought it was funny but we felt sickened by the lack of respect not only for the contestant but also the diversity of artists of all shapes, sizes, colors, and costumes. It was bullying in its most basic form, otherwise known as "all in good fun" except that someone\'s getting their feelings hurt for no other reason than preconceived prejudice that has now been perpetuated. My children had the benefit of our family immediately discussing the shock we all felt at the unprovoked unkindness, but the kids in the clip- all they got was smiles and popcorn and encouragement to continue saying mean things...what a teachable lesson lost. It promoted fear, hatred, and negativity, not to mention delving yet another blow to career clown performers whose only goal is to entertain people of all ages. We are sad, and very disappointed that NBC felt this was appropriate to air. Puddles Pity Party deserves an apology. â¬
Thank you for reading.
