Figure skater Johny Weir, who during the Winter 2004 Olympics famously dodged questions about his sexuality , is causing waves again in a decision to play Jesus on ice.
On Saturday night at the 2005 US Skating Championship in US state Washington, Weir will become Christ for his long programme entry set to “Child of Nazareth” by Maxime Rodriguez, telling the story of Jesus through skating.
"In no way am I portraying the actual entity of Jesus. I'm just performing the story of his life,” Weir told the press.
“It's an interesting concept, an interesting idea to push myself forward and make myself better. It has nothing to do with anything else."
He went on to say:
"It's more exciting to walk in a fashion show or portray Jesus than it is to sit at home learning how to play the piano or skating to 'The Nutcracker'...The risks I'm taking are natural to me. I didn't go to BlackBook and say, 'I want to pose in heels.'”
photo: Blackbook
“ I said I'd do it because it's fun for me. It wasn't like I went in and said, 'Oh my God, I want heels. I want fur. I want glitter. I want to be made up totally like Amanda Lepore (the self-proclaimed No. 1 transsexual in the world).' ... I think the pictures are very interesting. They're not gaudy. They're not campy. They're just me modeling clothes."
Weir has also come under criticism from gay commentator, former skater Mark Lund, for consistently avoiding the gay question.
“I say to Mr. Weir, ‘You enjoy being outspoken and a free spirit. You have said frequently that you have been brought up to speak your mind. However, you refuse to support the very community that paved the way for you.’” Lund said.
“I say to all those that believe my comments about Mr. Weir were homophobic to take a step back and realise the beliefs you are actually expressing. Mr. Weir is an individual who enjoys all the rights of the gay community without coming out to support the gay community. Now who is the hypocrite here? Most certainly not me.”
A record 146,311 tickets have been sold for this week's skating events.
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