Lara Spencer Apologizes for 'Insensitive Comment' About Prince George's Ballet Lessons on GMA

Eric Todisco

Good Morning America‘s Lara Spencer is apologizing for her “insensitive” comments about Prince George taking up ballet, which led to intense backlash on social media.

The TV journalist, 50, posted an Instagram on Friday of mountain scenery, along with a written apology for mocking the inclusion of ballet in George’s school curriculum while on-air.

“My deepest apologies for an insensitive comment I made during pop news on Thursday,” she wrote. “From ballet, which I took as a kid, to anything in life you wish to explore, I fully believe we should all pursue our passion.”

“Go climb your mountain and love every minute of it,” Spencer concluded her note.

On GMA, Spencer was reading off George’s hectic school curriculum, and after getting to ballet on the list, she paused while her co-hosts and the audience could be heard laughing in the background.

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My sincere apologies for an insensitive comment I made in pop news yesterday. From ballet to anything one wants to explore in life, I say GO FOR IT. I fully believe we should all be free to pursue our passions. Go climb your mountain-and love every minute of it.

A post shared by Lara Spencer (@lara.spencer) on Aug 23, 2019 at 9:07am PDT

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“He looks so happy about the ballet class,” she said as photos flashed on the screen of 6-year-old George.

“Prince William says George absolutely loves ballet. I have news for you Prince William: We’ll see how long that lasts,” she quipped.

Fans accused Spencer of “bullying” the young boy while using the hashtags “boys dance too” and “ballet is for everyone.”

Wrote Broadway actress Shoshana Bean, “Dear @GMA… I find @LaraSpencer response to be insensitive and her apology a cop out. Not good enough for me… is it good enough for you?? This statement needs to be made on air in the same forum she so freely judged and criticized.”

“@LaraSpencer I’m truly disappointed. You owe an apology to the entire #Dance community and #PrinceGeorge, especially. I expected better from you and @GMA #balletisforeveryone,” wrote another Twitter user.

“@LaraSpencer how dare you….it is 2019. Some of the best MALE athletes in the world have taken ballet. How many MALE entertainers do you think there are in be world? They all probably took ballet or dance. Disgusted isn’t even a strong enough word….#boysdancetoo,” another angry user said.

Celebrities including Rosie O’Donnell, George Takei, Derek Hough, Debbie Allen and So You Think You Can Dance‘s Travis Wall also slammed Spencer for her comments.

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I saw a clip from @goodmorningamerica this morning and I was pretty surprised by the tone of some comments towards dance. My initial response was disappointment. For a brief moment it brought up old unpleasant memories of being mocked and laughed at for being a boy who danced. Fortunately that feeling dissipated quickly in knowing that the climate of dance, especially for young men in this generation is thriving more than ever, celebrated and appreciated . A young boy training in an athletic art form that requires an insane amount of discipline, strength, agility, flexibility, speed, dedication, awareness of mind, body, soul and creativity doesn’t seem like something to laugh about . I understand that comments like the one made here on television were probably light hearted and just a little banter. I get it. I know everyone at gma including @lara.spencer and I’m sure the intention wasn’t to be hurtful. But I also just think we are in a new era and time, especially for dance and it’s perception. The tone and mockery towards dance is just dated, old and not relevant anymore. Those who mock don’t understand. I’m proud to be a dancer and I strongly encourage any, who would like to try. So if there are any young kids out there who have a passion to pursue dance, don’t be discouraged by those who might laugh or make fun, tease or taunt. Follow your passion, take a chance on yourself and remember, that when you are courageous enough to listen to your inner voice rather than the voices (that only you can allow) to tear you down, you will always win. Follow your bliss and you will always have the last laugh:) Nothing but love and encouragement 🙏🏼#dance #encourage #create #dontHate #community

A post shared by Derek Hough (@derekhough) on Aug 23, 2019 at 11:34am PDT

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DEAR @lara.spencer of GOOD MORNING AMERICA. I have a message for you. Wake up. It’s 2019. Get with the program. Please share and repost this so a boy who needs to see this feels supported if he dances or wants to! #boysdancetoo #ballet #goodmorningamerica #traviswall #laraspencer #bully

A post shared by Travis Wall (@traviswall) on Aug 23, 2019 at 6:49am PDT

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Along with ballet, George’s year-long curriculum in Year 2 at Thomas’s Battersea will include religious studies, French, computing, art/design technology, music, drama, and P.E. His core subjects will be math, English, science, history and geography.

George will continue to work on his dance skills with a 35-minute ballet lesson each week. (Each class is accompanied by a live pianist!) The curriculum follows the Royal Academy of Dance Pre-Primary in Dance syllabus and will develop students’ physical skills, stamina, creative, expression and musicality. Prince William said George “loves” his ballet classes, which he started taking in Year 1.

A source previously told PEOPLE that royal is “very happy” at his school, where he is known as George Cambridge. And younger sister Princess Charlotte, 4, is gearing up to join her big brother for the first time at school this year. “She can’t wait to be with George at big school” an insider said. “She’s so excited about it all.”