Every network has to appease its core audience while reaching out to grab new viewers. But did HGTV go too far with its newest host Antonio Ballatore? He's the winner of the 2009 Design Star competition -- HGTV's Superbowl of decorating and design -- and a complete departure for the network.
Antonio is a far cry from the typical clean-cut, smooth-faced, Barbie-and-Ken-cute male hosts on the home and garden channel geared toward female viewers. He's not above being a real man's man (doing the rude and crude schtick.) And that sort of behavior -- which many viewers flock to HGTV to escape -- is making a lot of women see red.
Antonio is heavily tattooed, rough around the edges, and definitely edgy in his sense of design. His bedroom boasts a oversized airbrushed "Sombrero Girl" headboard - a guns-and-roses bullet toting wooden cutout cartoon of a woman he describes as "the girl I'm going to be waking up to every morning." When his long-haired, well-muscled friends help him set up the headboard up, he warns them to do it right, adding, "There's stuff going on in here. It has to be sturdy." Talk of sex on HGTV? Say it ain't so, Antonio.
Vicki Schaffeld Holbrook, blogging at the Idaho Free Press, sums up what many women feel about this bull in the HGTV china shop:
If you expected a traditional, classy host, you were probably disappointed because he's not going to aim for that.
HGTV didn't want another host like all the others. They chose a crass, sexist set designer dude who is proud of his image....
The 40-year-old man has no problem saying on camera that he loves to shop for furniture because the sales clerks are usually cute and he can flirt with them.
He actually pushed up his T-shirt sleeves as he talked to the clerk to reveal more of his colorful tattoos. He showed off the bedroom as the place where the magic is made.
I didn't think it was funny, but I'm sure many did....That's what we should expect: A lot of shock TV.
The forums on the network's website have split into fans and haters, both sides sounding every bit as partisan and bitter as politicians fighting over health care reform. Nanette writes, "HGTV used to be wholesome. Antonio should watch his mouth," in reference to "the magic," while another viewer calls him "a REAL person and what you see is what you get."
He may be real, but HGTV isn't. It's interior design porn, and there's a fair number of women who flip to it when they come home because it's mindless, soothing, and emotionally safe. It's a sanctuary where women can relive their "first time" (first apartment, first house, first renovation) and men don't flinch at a 'honey do' list.
It's HGTV's call to name Antonio this year's Design Star and give him his own show scheduled to debut in January 2010. But they owe it to their audience to give their new host an attitude makeover by letting him know that he needs to curb the sexism and keep "the magic" in his pants.
Comments
So… HGTV seems to have gone a bit off the deep-end in the macho stereotype as a counterpoint, in a strange way saying, “hey, we can put straight men on the air, too.”
Get a grip, woman. You need to take a breather and not see everything in the free world as an assault on women’s rights. Obviously, the man was trying to impress his friends and showing some bravado after winning a huge competition that will change his career and life. But if you watched regularly and saw how he actually interacted with the people whose homes he was trying to improve and his family and friends, he was acting like a very kind, caring, respectful, and even patriotic human being. So try to have a little balance in your life and not take everything so seriously. I grew up and fought my way through the real sexist, misogynistic times and had to survive and fight, literally and figuratively, for my rights as an individual and as a woman. I was out protesting and being harassed and assaulted physically for speaking out while you were at an all girls’ school studying about the real world in which women live. I can tell when someone is a sexist jerk no matter how they hide it. Antonio didn’t strike me that way. I wasn’t offended by his behavior. So please continue your efforts to highlight women’s issues with real topics of concern including how there are many women in politics and the media that are setting us back to the dark age of sexism and control. It’s hard enough to fight for equity in this life with the male of the species, but to have our own sisters sell out and screw the gender over is unconscionable. That is where your outrage should be directed.
1-Ms. Holbrook is Dan Vickery’s (the Design Star runner up) aunt, so please disclose this, as there is a bit of bias in her perspective. She seems to have had no issue when her nephew took his shirt off during the competition to the hoots and hollers of a fellow female competitor!
2-I don’t think Antonio is sexist at all. I think he actually likes women, a lot. And some fun flirtatious behavior from men should not cause modern women to jump off the deep end! Your comments about his supposed sexism and keeping it in his pants are way off base, unfair and inappropriate. Shame on you.
I have watched Design star from the getgo. I have loved every winner until Antonio. I will not watch his new show! not for the reason most are arguring about. I just detist his designs, I think they are horrible. Maybe I am to traditinal but these are much to bizzare for me. nuff said.
Give Dan his own show. He is great! I do not care for Antonio at all!
This article is garbage. His show is great. He is really caring. I didnt know being straight was sexist.
Imagine me, looking for some info and I come across this article. You are entitled to your opinion and its an interesting one. However, being a truly liberated adult female, I think the other poster is correct – you need to get a grip. Not one thing Antonio has said is any different than what would come out of the mouth of “a suit”. He is a straight man. Frankly, see him in person and you will see he is also really nice to look at. And he’s talented. And he’s having a good time. And, and….and…..have you watch lesbian TV lately? Talk about sexual inuendo. Know any gay men? I do. Tons of comments. Anyone with a healthy libido, regardless of sexual orientation makes a comment and Antonio is no different. Frankly, its nice to see a great looking straight guy on TV for a change. I find no offense in anythng he does. Free country. He’s “soft” compared to the rest of TV trash. And I know where he shops. If I were younger, I’d stand at the door and wait for him to show up. So there….:) Really, get a grip. Leave him to designing rooms.
I saw Antonio catch the biggest *ss whipping of his life in the Fooseball room in Port Jervis High School. Mike M really busted him up real good. We still laugh about it to this day.
antonio is a far cry from a designer. his design ideas are stupid and less than tasteful. so bad that i can’t even think of the right word. what planet did he come from anyways. he speaks like a tween….. cool,man,yoo dude,vibes….grow up “dude”!! not that i would ever let him do a design of any kind for me but if he did and showed up at my home with that slobber faced ugly mutt “chewy” i would send him packing. what were the judges thinking?
Why are all you women so angry about antonio??? I personally love the idea of having at least one male hdtv host that is attracted to women.. I mean come on!! if i see one more pink shirt, arm waving, sassy male host on hdtv i would just puke..
First off I have to say enough of the gay bashing in this blog. Do you women-mothers want one of your kids reading what the “annie” person said and then think about their situation they’re in. Have any of you seen a real news show this past year? Young men are killing themselves because they are different(gay) and any of you narrow minded people sholud be ashamed of this entire blog-really Linda nothing
Don’t go getting your panties in a bunch. Antonio is genius. He’s a breath of fresh air for the otherwise boring network of cookie-cutter hosts and designers, living up to traditional designing standards. Antonio pushes the envelope. He reaches out to all different audiences. I’d fall into the 18-24 year old demographic, and he’s got me hooked. His “long-haired, well-muscled friends” can appeal and relate to the males who will watch as well. He’s different, and that’s what TV needs. He breaks the mold that shows on HGTV try so hard to stay in, to appeal to apparently close-minded women like yourself. Open up and see what people–talented artists like Antonio bring to this world. He not only shows and inspires through his work, but he opens you up to the world of opportunities. His connections and “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” philosophy teaches us that we need to come together as a community and do things for each other. No one’s keeping count, it’s what people with hearts do. Antonio has never given off a sexist vibe. I don’t even think he’s capable. Besides, he’s too busy being fresh and creative, and finding some way to convert his incredible, brilliant, yet funky personality into every piece of work. If you don’t like it, don’t watch it. Simple as that. But people who can actually appreciate true and genuine skill and ability to design and create out of nothing will see how much of an asset he is to HGTV. Power to The Antonio Treatment.
Marie or who ever made the comment, cut the gay bashing people are dying. Far as I remember Constitution says we have freedom of speech, a right I defended as a veteran, for all of these people to express. Saying that someone’s mind is so weak (gay men) that saying negative things makes you guilty for their poor personal choice is over simplifying and ignorant. You are exuding in your comments the mentality that drives sexism ignorance, stereotyping, over simplifying, under estimating, and any choice a person makes is their own whether sexually or suicidally. Any choice is only made by them. Genetics, environment, or other peoples opinions are not the issue. The personal responsibility that you advocate all of these people to use in your comment is handy to beat on people and bully those you disagree with, but when it comes to telling people to take responsibility for their own actions on suicide or sex, its not their fault. How convenient. You have a right to your opinion, but I have right to point out the hypocrisy. As far as the gay designer issue, that is the tip of the iceberg why HGTV is absolutely not wholesome. It amazes me how gay the general population is from their perspective. As you watch you would estimate from their perspective that 1/2 of us are gay. Reality, it’s an agenda in “mainstream” media that gay is normal and ok, sorry it’s not and I for one am not letting my child be subconsciously brain washed into accepting it as ok. As a father, I love my wife and son they are my universe, and their is a right and wrong. The synergy of the union of a man and women is a wonderful beautiful life and that is a value, a treasure, that needs to be protected the essence of what we are as humans.
Dave, veteran or not buddy you’re a complete Douche! Thank G you fought on for free speech to allow me to tell you so, LOL! douche! Does Dave need therapy for his war-warped mind? Best of luck with your perfect family, odds are the universe will bless you with a GAY son, douche! cheers:D PS.. I’m sending rainbows and butterflies your way, in hopes you will have a brighter day.
I actually love antonio’s show. Its something fresh and different. Everybody dosent do “traditional” some like “edgy”. Therefore Hgtv must cater to various audiences of every taste and style. And as far as Antonio being sexist is just your opinion. If you feel offended then simply turn off the tv. I dont think its right to assume and accuse people for being someway just because thats how you see it or feel. Everyones not perfect, Im sure there are a lot of people that have flaws and characteristics that are not quite as appealing to you or others but at the same time our good qualities out weigh the bad. I personally dont like or agree with tatoos, but thats his body and his choice, nevertheless he’s an excellent designer with a great heart for people. Keep up the good work Antonio!
I LOVE ANTONIO. I watch the show because of him. Maybe it is the New Yawker in me. I like the fact that HGTV has someone “alternative” type host. I watch all the shows, and take something away from all the designers. They all have a unique aesthetic and I would not want to see a clone of Vernon, or Candice or Genvieve. I am glad that HGTV is going for a broader appeal. I personally don’t like Clive as the host, but I watch it for the ideas. And as with everything else on television, I can always change the channel. No one forces me to watch Antonio, I WANT TO WATCH ANTONIO.
Antonio is the average housewife’s wet dream. Who is the average viewer of HGTV? The average housewife! Hello??? It’s called ratings, people. I’m not a ‘housewife’ but I’m human and just looking at him gets my mind racing….. I’ll watch him any day….he is so incredibly hot and sexy! Oh, yeah, and talented. His work is just as hot!
I think Antonio is a welcome freshness to HGTV. I too was surprised at his reference to you know what ….. But should adults be offended? Are they watching HGTV with their kids??
I love all the redo’s. But what has concerned me and I think HGTV has influenced fashion is everything looks same. Don’t have anything that is personal–all looks just like Susie”s or Jane’s or David’s. Antonio is showing you that you dont’ have to look like everyone elses.
what a respite from the parade of gay men on the design and food channels. if i only watched these channels, i’d think all men were gay! thx for the break, hgtv. i’ll continue to watch antonio’s program.
I love antonio’s show! It always makes me shed a tear. I long for the days when men where tough and women loved out. I want my man to be tougher than me not prettier than me. Don’t change antonio. We love you just the way you are!
Are you serious??? Antonio is NOT the least bit sexist! He has a wonderful, likable personality and it’s very genuine. He is also very talented. I am a feminist, and there is no way I feel that he is sexist. He is what he is, and that is simply WONDERFUL!!!
I don’t like how he designs any room, but to each their own. I do like the fact the HGTV actually found someone one that’s no “Ken” like is great. He’ s good looking and tattooed, so I watch even if it’s just for the eyecandy.