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Apology over Elton's 'boy scout' show
Sir Elton sang alongside the teenage dance troupe |
Gay rights organisation Stonewall has apologised to the Scout Association after Sir Elton John took part in a dance routine by male strippers dressed as cub scouts.
The act, which saw Sir Elton singing on stage alongside the six dancers, took place at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday as part of a concert to celebrate Stonewall's 10th anniversary.
But the Scout Association said that the performance had done themselves and gay rights cause "no favours" by making a link between homosexuality and paedophilia.
Stonewall communications director Mark Watson said the group regretted causing any offence.
'No offence intended'
He said: "We do apologise to the Scout Association if it has caused them any offence but I'm sure no offence was intended.
"It has to be taken in the context of a show that Elton put on - he's a flamboyant character and he puts on these sort of shows.
"I'm sure you could find many other examples of shows with similar sorts of acts where people have dressed up as things they're not."
Earlier, Scout Association spokesman John Fogg said: "We think it is pretty deplorable and in bad taste what they have done, in terms of denigrating our uniform and what it stands for."
George Michael also performed at the concert |
The 52-year-old singer appeared on stage at the star-studded concert and introduced the dancers dressed in mock cub uniforms and caps.
As Sir Elton sang, the professional dancers, aged 18 and 19, stripped off down to skimpy shorts to the tune of It's A Sin by pop group the Pet Shop Boys.
The act also saw the dancers kneeling on the floor and clutching at their groins.
No regrets
Mr Fogg said he thought that the routine was "an error of judgement" on the part of both Stonewall and Sir Elton.
He added that the association intended to protest in writing and would welcome any positive sign of regret from the singer.
The show, which was attended by a VIP audience, was also celebrating government plans to lower the gay age of consent from 18 to 16.
Other star performers included George Michael, Culture Club, Lily Savage, Julian Clary, Sandi Toksvig and Graham Norton.
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See also: |
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11 Oct 99 | Entertainment |
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Elton's candle burns in Canada |
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29 Aug 99 | Entertainment |
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Elton calls for Diana memorial |
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28 Jun 99 | Your Money |
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Elton John 'in debt' |
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09 Jul 99 | Entertainment |
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Sick Elton shelves more shows |
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International gay and lesbian association |
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Stonewall (Columbus) |
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Hercules - Sir Elton John fan site |
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