ABC Goes Forward With Chris Brown Booking After Canceling Lambert; Anger Brews

Updated 5:30 PM EST, Thu, Nov 26, 2009

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ABC is invoking the ire of many women and gay groups for going forward with an interview with and performance by Rihanna-attacker Chris Brown, just a day after having canceled a performance by the openly gay Adam Lambert.

According to the New York Post, Brown will give a pre-taped tell-all interview to "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts, followed by a performance of songs from his new album, "Graffiti," due out December 8. Brown will appear the week after next, having taped the interview last weekend.

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The Post writes that feminist and gay activists are upset, wondering why a violent convicted abuser is more morning-show friendly than a gay man who expressed his sexuality in a primetime performance.

An ABC source told the Post, "The network is giving a mixed message — that it doesn't trust someone who shocked with an unpredictable show and a gay kiss, but then it is happy to go ahead with Chris Brown, who was convicted of felony assault."

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However another ABC insider told the Post that it was not Lambert's sexuality which got him cancelled from "GMA," but rather, the fact that he, "showed himself to be unpredictable on live TV."
The top ABC insider added: "Chris Brown's interview was booked way before Adam Lambert took to the stage. It is to give him a chance to respond to Rihanna's interview. The possibility of him performing a song will be worked out next week."

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Good Morning America - TV - Rihanna - Adam Lambert - Chris Brown