Noted scientist Evander Holyfield told a housemate on “UK Celebrity Big Brother” that being gay is like being handicapped and can be fixed by a doctor.
Apparently, someone doesn't watch “Duck Dynasty.”
According to TMZ, the show's producers immediately scolded Holyfield — apparently they don't watch “Duck Dynasty” either — in a private room. The website said those same producers called Holyfield's comments “inappropriate” because they “aren't the views that are held by a large section of society.”
I imagine somebody's email inbox has exploded by now.
Holyfield reportedly made the comments Sunday — during his first week on the show — when reality star Luisa Zissman asked him if there were any gay boxers.
Holyfield — said to be a deeply religious Christian — cited the bible, saying homosexuality isn't a choice, but rather something like a “handicap” that can be fixed.
Here's where I don't point out that we're seriously listening to a guy who used to get hit in the head for a living.
TMZ said Zissman respectfully disagreed with Holyfield and the pair were moving on when Holyfield was taken to a private room and scolded for expressing his beliefs. Right — someone decided to scold a guy who beat up Mike Tyson. The former heavyweight champ reportedly said he understood his comments could be considered offensive, but he didn't apologize.
“Big Brother” has a long history of cast members igniting controversy with remarks regarding minorities, gays, even the mentally handicapped.