Controversy of the Day: Caitlyn Jenner Inspires a Friday Night Lights Feud
When Caitlyn Jenner accepted the Aurther Ashe Award for Courage July 15, for many it was an empowering, beautiful moment of acceptance for transgender people. Unfortunately, it sparked a row between the two minds most responsible for the acclaimed television show and film Friday Night Lights
Peter Berg, who directed the Friday Night Lights film and developed the series through its five-season run, was not too happy with the ESPY award given to Jenner. And like all people with opinions these days, took his voice to social media.
Berg posted the following to Instagram:
So, here's where it gets a little interesting. Both the Friday Night Lights film and show was based on a book reported and written by Buzz Bissinger. Bissinger also wrote the the famous Vanity Fair article that introduced Caitlyn Jenner to the world.
Berg and Bissinger are cousins and worked extensively on both the Friday Night Lights film and television.
Bissinger gave a respectful response to Berg's comments July 16 through The Hollywood Reporter.
I love Pete,I am not in the business of censoring his comments nor he mine. He said what he believes, rare to begin with and unheard of in Hollywood where disingenuous discourse is the universal traffic.
Caitlyn Jenner gave a heartfelt and powerful speech. She was obviously humbled and honored. She is an inspiration to all of us who struggle with difference and that includes me.
American society is all too quick to condemn and humiliate.
Jenner's speech, of course, had nothing to do with this row, and many outlets are calling it a moving, powerful thing. So, if you'd like, watch the full acceptance speech below instead of treading through the criticism.