Adam Thomas (Adam Barton)

[dannybaby1234]

Gorgeous

[xsharon90x]

Adam won the best newcomer award at the TV Choice Awards last night! It's a well deserved price, in my opinion. I hope by winning this award he'll get some more screentime, and more of an own storyline.

Picture posted by Suzanne Shaw on her Twitter:
twitpic.com/2m3ank

I think Adam had a great time last night ;-)

[antistatic]

www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3198005/Emmerdale-star-Adam-Thomas-says-sorry-for-gay-hate-rant.html


Oh dear!

[HQ75]

The Gays of Daytime Blogpost


gaydaytime.blogspot.com/2010/10/emmerdales-adam-thomas-apologizes-for.html

I'm sure his fans will say "Oh, he didn't mean anything by it" but really, given what Danny has gone through just PLAYING a gay character, you'd think Adam would be more sensitive or at least hide his bias when he's in public.

What is wrong with these young actors?

Even if he does feel that way about gay men, does he not understand that the media (and everyone with a camera phone) is WATCHING him?

He's on television. I'm so sick of famous folks saying stupid homophobic stuff then saying they are "sorry IF someone was offended". Of COURSE someone was offended. What did he think his little "gay boy" "queers" mocking would do? Did he think the guy would say "Oh thanks for pointing out the obvious, I'm a gay boy and a queer, good looking out". Adam Thomas is an idiot.

I have no patience for this kind of lazy homophobic behavior particularly from young people in the public eye.

Words have power and you actions have influence on a culture of bullying and ridicule when you are a television actor coming into the homes of young folks everyday. They pay attention. So not only does it give license to young guys to act like thugs, it also makes young gays and lesbians feel horrible about themselves.

[xsharon90x]

I absolutely don't agree with what Adam did, it's wrong and he should know that, just like me and you. But he apologised for what he did.
I'm sorry for the 'victim'(s)' who are been offended by his comment, but I can't imagine that people will go to the media with stories like this.

Accordig to James Thornton (who's playing Adam's dad in Emmerdale): Adan is the nicest guy you could ever meet... Just want to say that today. He is an absolute top guy and I LOVE him x

He also mentions on his twitter: Some people will say anything to get their face in the paper! Not the full story believe me!!!!

So in my opinion it's wrong what ever Adam has said/done to offend the guy, but there are always 2 sides of the story, and what we know is only the part of the 'victim and media'.

[HQ75]

Oct 27, 2010 7:55:26 GMT -5 xsharon90x said:

I absolutely don't agree with what Adam did, it's wrong and he should know that, just like me and you. But he apologised for what he did.
I'm sorry for the 'victim'(s)' who are been offended by his comment, but I can't imagine that people will go to the media with stories like this.

Accordig to James Thornton (who's playing Adam's dad in Emmerdale): Adan is the nicest guy you could ever meet... Just want to say that today. He is an absolute top guy and I LOVE him x

He also mentions on his twitter: Some people will say anything to get their face in the paper! Not the full story believe me!!!!

So in my opinion it's wrong what ever Adam has said/done to offend the guy, but there are always 2 sides of the story, and what we know is only the part of the 'victim and media'.

It's not just the guy's word. He was CAUGHT on video.

I'm not saying Adam or what he did was the worse thing in the world. But it's wrong, it's very wrong and it IS a big deal to young people who hear actors they look up to speak that way in public.

How do you explain away what he said? I don't care what the guy was wearing or what the guy said TO Adam. Adam needs to practice self-control or remove himself from the situation. That is part of what it means to be a famous tv actor.


Adam is a public figure, a professional actor and he has to conduct himself differently than the average guy. He can't just do and say whatever he wants.

When Danny was attacked by those guys using the SAME words, I'm sure Adam didn't think it was fair because Danny had "provoked" those homophobes by playing a gay character on tv.

I personally can't think of any context where it would be okay to use "gay boy" and "queer" as insults against a stranger in public.

The reason he apologized is because he was wrong. He knows he's wrong. Great. That doesn't change that it happened and he's going to have to take the lumps.

Apologizing doesn't magically erase homophobic slurs from the public continence. Even IF the boy he insulted is a fame whore, who cares? It doesn't change that he said it and meant it in the moment. Adam is responsible for the power of his own words.

Of course someone was offended. Isn't the whole point of him calling the guy "gay boy" and "Queer" to offend him? To insult him (and by extension anyone who is associated with those terms?)

So why apologize for doing something you made a conscious decision to do then act like you didn't realize it would be offensive. Then try to DEFEND your actions by saying there are two sides?

THAT is what bugs me. It's a false apology. I don't care how nice he is in his personal life.

Really "nice" people who many be the the best cake-baker at church go home and beat their children.

Obviously I don't know Adam personally but that is the whole point. He could be an angel in person but if he acts like a horse's arse in public, THAT is what folks will see and know about him.

A nice person would never have used "gay boy" or "queer" as an insult because they wouldn't associate those things with an insult.

If the guy in the shop was a jerk, fine, he's a jerk. He's not a jerk BECAUSE he's gay or in drag or queer.

Obviously Adam used words that he sees as an insult against the guy (regardless of what the guy was doing) and he chose to use the words "gay boy" and "queer".

Why is he apologizing if he didn't say those things? He's not denying that he said them, he's simply saying he was "provoked". My arse! No one provokes you to homophobia.

Plus, he's an adult. How can we expect school children not to use "gay" and "Queer" as insults when bullying other kids if adults can't many their own mouths?

If you're going to go to the trouble of apologizing then don't back-peddle and try to claim you were provoked and that somehow excuses your behavior. He can't have it both ways.

He said he's sorry now he needs to suck it up and take the flack that his own actions caused and maybe donate some money to an anti bullying campaign and move on and stop trying to defend himself.

[sheepiefarm]

He was caught on video - allegedly

Too many people have been quick to jump in with an opinion on this when they really don't know any facts other than what a newspaper known to spin stories & print lies has published.

Whilst it was wrong for Adam to say what he said - whose to say he wasn't replying to some jibes about his own sexuality - it's well known that Danny Miller recieved hate-mail for being str8.

The card falls both ways - in Adam Thomas case - the fact that he's a well known actor makes in "newsworthy"

He has apologised - and maybe will learn something from it - sadly, no-one else will - such is human nature.

[mycatfox]

I don't know what to think about this, The Sun is well known for being one of the most ridiculous newspapers on earth. I really hope this story is another of its typical bullshit

Adam Thomas is an actor working in a soap with a current gay storyline, and his charater is the antithesis of that guy of the article. I'm sure Adam Barton would never do what Adam Thomas allegedly did...

If the incident really happened the way it was published, it would be very hard -for me- to forget it or forgive him...

[nomdeplume8ie]

Here's what Adam tweeted regarding the article, (at around 16:13hrs today)

"U know what they say ...Don't believe everything u read in the papers!! Blown way out of context end of !! X thanks for ur support guys x"


...Well, whatever happened, I think that Emmerdale PR should get him to give his side of the story ASAP, because otherwise people might think that there is the smallest grain of truth in the article, and believe that he used words like 'queer', for which I'm trying to think of any mitigating circumstances for their usage as an insult - I can't.

It's probably just best to wait until more information comes to light before making a judgement on the matter; So I'll say no more.

[HQ75]

Oct 27, 2010 9:24:48 GMT -5 sheepiefarm said:

He was caught on video - allegedly

Too many people have been quick to jump in with an opinion on this when they really don't know any facts other than what a newspaper known to spin stories & print lies has published.

Whilst it was wrong for Adam to say what he said - whose to say he wasn't replying to some jibes about his own sexuality - it's well known that Danny Miller recieved hate-mail for being str8.

The card falls both ways - in Adam Thomas case - the fact that he's a well known actor makes in "newsworthy"

He has apologised - and maybe will learn something from it - sadly, no-one else will - such is human nature.

Personally, the first thing I saw was his apology which was posted on TGODT's blog so my opinion is based on that.

If he didn't say the things he's being accused of , why apologize? What is he apologizing for? He must believe there is something to be sorry about or he wouldn't have made a statement.

If he did say them, there is really no excuse for using those words, ever, particularly in public.

I believe he's sorry, I believe he's probably learned a lesson about to and what not to say in public.

But I can't think of any circumstances under which using "queer" and "gay boy" as insults would be merited. THAT is what gets my goat.

His brain went there. I don't care of 5 guys walked up to him in high heels and boas with "We're Here, We're Queer" t-shirts on and called him a f*g**t to his face.

They are idiots. That doesn't mean he has to also be one. We are all responsible for our own actions and the "he provoked me" excuse only goes so far.

How many straight men have gotten an easy sentence or no sentence at all have committing a homophobic act because they used the excuse "He provoked me with his gayness"?

Regardless of whether or not The Sun is a reliable source, Adam admitted that it happened. He thinks he was justified but many straight men do in situations like that.

That's the culture we live in and that is something that the UK and the US share (to differing degrees but still).

Straight guys easily go straight for "f*g" "Queer" "Sissy" etc when they are in a conflict with each other AND with someone who is actually gay and it DOES contribute to a climate of homophobia and a belittling of what those words mean when used as a weapon.

As a public figure you have lots and lots of folks around you explaining how to conduct yourself. Adam has been acting long enough to know what folks are like when he's out in public and to know that whether he wants it or not, he has a responsibility NOT to contribute to a climate of homophobia by using those words in that manner.

Obviously he's sorry but his tweets indicate that he's more concerned with folks seeing his "side" than he is about using those words in the first place.

[Hawthorne]

Yeah, the Sun is not a reliable source at all. I'd have to see something more conclusive before I get down on Adam. His apology could have been something he was told to do. Celebrities are in a no-win situation in these kind of situations.

[patroclus]

it's disappointing, isn't it. Obviously the actor isn't the same as the character they play but the two do intersect, particularly when the storylines involve fundamental issues like human rights and equality and discrimination. Those are core ethical and political issues.

I have no idea what the true story might be; the Sun is hardly in a position to pontificate on lesbian and gay rights or to be trusted as an accurate source. But the fact that Adam T has apologised and isn't denying he said those things seems to suggest he did. And that leaves a bad taste. The basis of oppression is a fundamental conviction that the privileged group are better than, superior to, the discriminated against group: that is what justifies inequality. And it's sad that a heterosexual man reaches for that long-established, cultural power when he needs to to belittle and demean a gay man - because somewhere in his head he must feel he's better than gay men. It's the right to despise lesbians and gay men that's right at the heart of homophobia and that's the weapon Adam Thomas reached for if he used 'gay boy' and 'queer'. It's using historical, cultural illusion of superiority and the tacit inferiority of the other, just like a white person using racist epithets against black people. It's the exact equivalent and it's ugly stuff.

I don't think it makes Adam Thomas evil but he should act to clear it up, even if it means owning up if he did say it. Just saying 'the press have blown it up out of context' isn't enough -especially when you're issuing an apology in the next breath. Gives very mixed messages: either he's owning up and apologising or he's denying it because the press have got it wrong. You can't have it both ways. I'd have thought the Emmerdale producers would have something to say, too, especially given the prominence and praise the Aaron storyline has attracted. Pretty embarrassing for them.

[sheepiefarm]

The guy who was insulted by Adam tweeted this today

@dannymiller19 I was the victim of Homophobic Bullying by your cast member Adam Thomas last week, Waiting on a statement. wots ur thought?

Why the hell is asking Danny Miller for a statement about it

something about the whole thing stinks
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What saddens me most about this whole debacle is that not one single person has commented on the latent homophobia from within the article itself.

to quote...
Ricky claimed Thomas then started "hopping up and down like a madman" and calling him and a pal - who was in drag - "queers".


Why was it important for the article to stress that his friend was in drag?
had his friend been wearing Jeans & a T-shirt - would they have reported that - no chance.


It is simply to clarify that gay people are "different" - that they look weird - that they're not "normal".

This is the kind of underlying latent homophobic type of journalism that breeds the same comments as those made by Adam thomas and as usual it goes by unnoticed by the banner waving fanatics who can only comment on the blatantly obvious!

Whilst Adam may have been dumb with his comments, the hysterical bandwagon that the bannerwaving fraternity have jumped on is just as dumb.
Why crucify the monkey - he's only doing what his master says.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a story that happened to me...

I was out in a gay bar with a friend having a drink.
A guy in drag came over to us - having no desire to talk to him we were polite but distant to his intrusion. He didn't take the hint and invaded my space even more (much to the amusement of my friend). I was then forced to interact directly with him - again being polite without encouraging ongoing discussion. He still paid no heed and his advances became more intrusive. I became quite firm about the fact that his advances were unwelcome - and still he paid no heed.
In the end I insulted him.
I was then subject to a litany of abuse & Political correct crap before he stalked off.
My insult had the desired affect.
I am fortunate that I am neither famous nor important - therefore the incident went no further other than those who were closest enough to witness his outburst (I've no doubt they made up their own mind about what happened).

So what does that make me.
Homophobic?
A Gay Homophobe?
A Gay Homophobe with a dislike of men in drag?

Or just a young guy who had neither the experience or social skills to deal with that situation?


The world is not black & white - no-one is infallible

[patroclus]

hello, sheepiefarm: I was about to edit my last bit with the following: I think we all have that ugly stuff inside us, whether we're gay, straight, bi-sexual or whatever. So I don't approach this from an 'Adam Thomas is bad, I'm good' point of view. But the story you've just told does what the story we've heard from Adam T doesn't so far: it gives a wider context. At the moment he seems to be communicating a mixed stance about it. It may be that he's been 'press-handled' to issue that standard 'celebrity in an embarrassing fix' mollifying statement and is putting out his real feelings in his twitter. Far better, I think, to be upfront and open about what his side is and honest about his subsequent reflections and then leave it.

As for dragging Danny Miller into this: yes, it seems provocative and attention-seeking by the guy, to say the least.

[Zathras]

Oct 27, 2010 16:52:35 GMT -5 sheepiefarm said:

something about the whole thing stinks

This. I'm not inclined to crucify him based on the sensationalistic post in The Sun. I have no idea whether GCN (TGoDT link) is reputable or not, or where they got their information. But it feels like there's a lot more to the true story than we've been told, and the Sun article is clearly (to me) written in such a way as to provoke a reaction. That said, I am disappointed in Adam for having used those words at all.

[meinfraulein]

Sheepie, I agree that something does seem a bit odd with this incident. I've tried to think about this from both sides, and I can see a couple of possible scenarios; it sounds like we're being fed stories from both extremes, when the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. The story The Sun (and probably Ricky) would have us believe is that Ricky innocently approached him and Adam immediately went off on him ranting like a lunatic - possible, but probably not likely, since most people need some sort of trigger to cause such an extreme reaction. The opposite side of the story could be that Ricky approached Adam while he was just going about his day (i.e. not officially representing Emmerdale at a function) and just wouldn't leave him alone, or (less likely) tried to goad him into melting down and behaving that way. Whatever actually did happen, such language certainly isn't acceptable.

That said, if Ricky wishes to pursue the matter further, it really should be with Adam himself as well as the powers that be at Emmerdale - dragging other actors into the situation isn't appropriate. One could ask why he chose to single out Danny as a target - why not Marc as well, since he plays a gay character too, or other Emmerdale actors, for that matter? I can understand why Adam may be keeping quiet though, as public relations is often about strategy, and he's probably been told what he should and shouldn't say. Acting can be a lot like customer service: the customer's always right, and sometimes you have to apologize for making a mistake that you didn't make just to save face. His silence may actually say more about the Emmerdale bosses - that they're hoping that an apology will suffice and it will blow over. Unfortunately, it sounds like Ricky may have other ideas.