Matt Seigel - a radio presenter on Boston-based station KISS 108 FM - has been faced with criticism after canceling his show because he was told he couldn't "joke" about Demi Lovato coming out as non-binary.
Earlier this week, the singer posted a heartfelt video to social media, informing their followers that they proudly identify as non-binary.
The 28-year-old singer captioned the video: "I am proud to let you know that I identify as non-binary and will officially be changing my pronouns to they/them moving forward."
Watch Lovato's announcement below:They said in the video: "This has come after a lot of healing and self-reflective work. I’m still learning and coming into myself, and I don’t claim to be an expert or a spokesperson. Sharing this with you now opens another level of vulnerability for me.
"I’m doing this for those out there that haven’t been able to share who they truly are with their loved ones. Please keep living in your truths and know I am sending so much love your way."
However, Lovato's announcement sadly became the butt of "jokes", with Matty in the Morning host Matt Seigel taking aim at the singer during his May 19 show.
The longtime Boston DJ told listeners that he had been contacted by his boss and informed that he could no longer discuss Lovato's announcement.
"I was just told, and it's nothing personal because I like my boss, but he just called and said I have to stop talking about what I've been talking about this morning," Seigel said on air.
"This is why I got rich. Ok. Because I told it like it is to my listeners for 40 bleeping years. They pulled the plug on me and said you can't talk about what you're talking about."
Addressing his co-hosts, Seigel then said: "Bill and Lisa and Bex and Dom, I’m sorry for putting you in this position. But I was told by my boss I cannot talk about what I want to talk about.
"By the way, it’s a joke - the whole binary thing. I don’t care what Demi Lovato does but now we need to worry about you might offend someone."
Seigel then added: "So basically I offended right-wing people and now I offended left-wing people. Basically what they want me to do is you know a lightweight show."
The host bizarrely cut his show short, telling the listeners: "I am the biggest of all time and they said 'shut up Matt, stop talking'.
"Well, I hope you’re happy because I just stopped talking. Matty out."
The Independent states that he did not return for the remaining 40 minutes of the show.
Addressing the situation in a follow-up interview with Boston.com, Seigel went on to misgender Lovato: "I'm against her binary thing; I think she’s a troubled woman and a lot of young people are taking her seriously and it bothers me. But of course, it’s a comedy show, so I did it in the context of jokes.
"We were having fun with it, and my boss called up and said that I’d crossed the line and they didn’t want me talking about it anymore."
However, many listeners took issue with the host's comments, and slammed Seigel.
"Matty Siegel's apology managed to not only STILL misgender Demi Lovato but also showed that he finally feels he is above consequence. Real growth and understanding," one person wrote.
A second wrote: "This a**hole couldn't be more tone deaf or arrogant if he wanted to...putting aside his s***ty comments and worse radio show."
Another Twitter user wrote: "U don’t have to understand non-binary, trans, or queer ppl in general in order to support them. Saying 'I’m against the pronoun thing' is so stupid bc it literally has nothing to do with u & it hurts no one. Get over it.
"I will be the first to admit that I fumble on pronouns a lot, but I love my friends & vice-versa. When I make mistakes they’re always super nice about it & I actively want to make them feel like they can be fully themselves. Why would u wanna deprive anybody of that?"
Seigel also told Boston.com that he believes he will be returning to the station, and he did so the next morning.
