Star Jones has suggested that CNN
anchor Anderson Cooper's coming out gay could be a stunt designed to
generate ratings.
The 45-year-old Cooper
discussed his sexual orientation for the first time in a lengthy
e-mail published Monday on Andrew Sullivan's blog The Dish,
which is hosted by The Daily Beast.
“The fact is, I'm gay, always have
been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable
with myself, and proud,” Cooper wrote.
Appearing on Today's Today
Professionals panel, Jones said she was “a bit of a cynic”
on the issue.
After noting that Oprah Winfrey had
“said she smoked crack. Oprah said that she was pregnant at 14 and
considered suicide,” Jones pointed out that Cooper also has a
daytime show.
“There were times that you generate
information for ratings and, 'Whoa, I'm sorry I said that ... but,'”
she said, impersonating a celebrity who “accidentally” revealed
something controversial.
“I say bravo for him,” Jones added.
“The reality is, more people will
tune into his show today,” Donny Deutsch said.
“That's the truth, right?” Jones
volleyed back.
The announcement “frees him to be who
he is,” said Dr. Nancy Snyderman. (Watch the entire segment at
Mediaite.com)