ABC vs Adam Lambert

Following Adam Lambert's controversial American Music Awards performance in which the "American Idol" runner-up simulated sex acts with dancers and kissed a male bandmate, ABC continues to shun the performer from the network, first canceling an appearance on "Good Morning America," followed by cancellations on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" special. ABC cites scrutiny from the FCC as the reason behind the cancellations. But is that a valid reason, or is the network just discriminating against a gay perfomer? (Watch a panel on ABC’s “The View” discuss Adam Lambert’s punishment)

The network's story doesn't hold water: ABC trying to put the "blame" on the Federal Communications Commission just doesn't make sense, says Queerty.com. Since both "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and "New Year's Rockin' Eve" will air after 10 p.m., "the FCC doesn't care" about airing indecent content. So it seems Lambert is just "too edgy for ABC." Another network--one that's a bit savvier--should "scoop him up pronto."

"Canceled: ABC dumps 2 more Adam Lambert dates, despite FCC not caring"

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Whatever the reason, it only helps Lambert: Don't feel bad for Adam Lambert, says Allison Waldman on TV Squad. By censoring him, Lambert's simply "getting the Elvis treatment," which is "all part of Adam's appeal." Yes, his AMA performance was "shocking," but with an album coming out Lambert was obviously "seeking publicity." And "he got it." So what's the problem?

"ABC drops Adam Lambert again and again"

Actually, it's a smear campaign: I'm not fan of Lambert's "cynical" AMA performance, admits Michael Slezak on Entertainment Weekly, "but from the subsequent fallout at ABC, you’d think the guy had crushed a trio of baby penguins under the heel of one of his fabulous platform boots." Maybe ABC has simply "devised an entire 2010 public-relations campaign based around snubbing" the "American Idol" runner-up. "Lambertgate '09," anyone?

"ABC disinvites Adam Lambert from 'Jimmy Kimmel,' New Year's Eve. What's next? Public shaming as public-relations strategy?"