I guess it isn't just in America that any slightly provocative action by a public official causes outcry and feigned apologies. The openly gay head of French public radio, Jean-Paul Cluzel, is taking the walk of shame after posing shirtless in a calendar to benefit AIDS activism. The picture showed Cluzel shirtless, tattoo clad and wearing a wrestler's mask.
The shoot was only slightly naughty but caused some French officials, including President Nicolas Sarkozy to get upset. This prompted Cluzel to issue a public apology:
"I made an error of judgement and apologise to any colleagues at Radio France that were offended by it. Friends of mine suggested I pose for a calendar about the diverse range of people with tattoos, the profits of which would go to the fight against AIDS.I didn't want to appear in my capacity as head of Radio France, so I posed in a coloured cloth mask. I was unwise. Without malice, Act Up decided to reveal my name and my job title," he explained, adding that he had never made a secret of his support for gay causes and had given a number of interviews on the subject."
Take a look at the picture and let me know if you think it deserved such scrutiny.
– Andy
For a shot of Cluzel in his normal attire, follow the JUMP:
Does anyone else notice he’s not wearing pants, but rather chaps? (notice at the sliver of skin at the crest of his butt below the waistband…).