Topline
A Fox Entertainment executive said Monday the network has “no regrets” over casting former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who served as former President Trump’s attorney, on the reality show, despite an onstage protest by a couple of the judges on the show and low ratings for his appearance.
Surprise! Rudy Giuliani on “The Masked Singer” episode that aired on Wednesday, April 20.
Key Facts
Rob Wade, president of alternative entertainment and specials, said the casting of Giuliani delivered a “jaw-dropping moment.”
Wade said his only regret was that the surprise reveal, which aired last month, was spoiled by the media months ahead.
Giuliani’s episode aired last month, and he sang George Thorogood’s “Bad To The Bone” while dressed as a jack-in-the-box.
Giuliani’s episode was one of the lowest-rated shows for The Masked Singer this season, according to Variety.
Key Background
Giuliani led Trump’s efforts to legally overturn the results of the 2020 election after it was called and is facing a mountain of legal troubles over his alleged involvement with the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Giuliani spoke at a rally before supporters took action at the Capitol building. In February, Deadline reported the former mayor of New York City was unmasked on The Masked Singer, which features celebrities disguised in elaborate costumes competing in a singing competition, while a panel of other celebrities try to guess their identities. It was reported at the time that judges Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke left the stage after Giuliani’s reveal in protest, though the episode only showed Jeong exiting. Many fans questioned Giuliani’s casting choice, given the accusations he’s facing about his role in the insurrection and effort to overturn the election.
Tangent
Giuliani is not the only staffer from the Trump Administration to appear on a reality show. In 2019, former press secretary Sean Spicer competed on Dancing With The Stars. Omarosa Manigault Newman, who got her start on Trump’s reality competition show, The Apprentice, went on Celebrity Big Brother and Big Brother VIP after leaving her job as an aide to Trump during his first year in office. In 2020, former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin also competed on The Masked Singer.
Further Reading
Rudy Giuliani’s Disastrous Appearance On ‘The Masked Singer’ Sparks A Strong Reaction (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/05/16/despite-controversy-and-low-ratings-fox-doesnt-regret-casting-rudy-giuliani-on-the-masked-singer/