Not that it matters, nor should it have any effect; though this is the first time she has addressed it publicly. There was in fact even a rumor this past summer that Roberts was getting married to her longtime partner, though that turned out not to be true.
But the question is, how will this affect the ratings for the show, if at all? Will people start tuning out, or will GMA continue to be the No. 1 morning show? I can’t really imagine people tuning out because of this, but you know how a lot of people are. There are still many fiercely anti-gay folks amongst us, who probably have been viewers of the show, and who, ignorantly, may rethink their allegiance because of today’s news.
Just a week and half ago, I reported on Good Morning America’s co-host Robin Roberts, and her new deal with ABC, for the show (HERE), which will garner her
$14 million a year.
The big new deal is a result of GMA’s status for over a
year and half now, as the No.1 morning network show, and that Roberts, who’s
been with ABC for over 20 years, was a major reason why the show has achieved
that status.
But now, in a new development, Roberts today publicly come
out as a gay woman on a post on her Facebook page, reflecting
on her life and her ongoing recovery from a risky bone marrow transplant
last year.
According to Variety, in her Facebook post, she stated
that: “…. I am grateful to God, my
doctors and nurses for my restored good health. I am grateful for my sister,
Sally-Ann, for being my donor and giving me the gift of life. I am grateful for
my entire family, my long time
girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious
new year together…”
A spokesman for the network stated that the Amber referred
to is Amber Laign, a private
practice massage therapist, who’s been in a relationship with Roberts for the
past ten years.
And in a new update, ABC News has just released another statement in support: “We love Robin and Amber, who we have all known for a long time. We were so touched by Robin’s Facebook message today and so thankful for all the loving support she has in her life.”
Don’t say you didn’t know. It really shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. It’s
long been whispered about Roberts’ sexual orientation; not that it matters, though
this is the first time she has addressed it publicly.
Whether she will or not address it on GMA, or leave just as a
Facebook posting and move on, is up to her.
But the question is, how will this affect
the ratings for the show? Will it have any effect at all? Will people start tuning out, or will GMA
continue to be the No. 1 morning show? Like I said, I can’t really imagine viewers suddenly tuning out because of this, but you know
how some people are. There are still many fiercely anti-gay folks amongst us.
And considering the recent brouhaha over that Duck Dynasty redneck reality
show, following anti-gay and pro-Jim Crow comments that a member of the show made, what
will be the public reaction over Robert’s revelation? Not much I think, but as
usual I could be wrong.
No doubt, at least ABC feels comfortable enough with Roberts coming out that it won’t have any impact on the show’s ratings.
What do you say?
