'Brokeback' caption in Halls Shopper outrages commission candidate

'Brokeback' caption in Halls Shopper outrages commission candidate

March 24, 2006

By AMELIA GRAHAM
6 News Reporter

KNOX COUNTY (WATE) -- A caption in a local newspaper is creating a big buzz. The editor's intended humor has struck quite a few nerves around town.

The article appears in this week's issue of the Halls Shopper.

The picture shows Chuck James and Tyler Harber embracing after James won his seat on the Knox County School Board in May 2002.

The picture originally appeared in the Knoxville News Sentinel nearly four years ago.

But the real shocker is the caption. It reads, "Brokeback Buddies."

Chuck James says the caption goes too far. "I've been insulted before, but never like this." James is running for Knox County Commission.

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He goes on to say, "What bothers me most is the attack on my family. It's an embarrassment. I'm a Christian man, a father of four children, been married 25 years, and it was an attack on me personally."

James sent a letter to the newspaper in hopes it makes the next issue. Click here to read it.

The editor of the Halls Shopper, Sandra Clark, wouldn't go on camera with 6 News.

In a written statement, she says, "The caption was intended as humor and no offense was intended. We regret this misunderstanding."

 The article has offended more than just Chuck James. Members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual community are also taking offense.

Gay activist, Gary Elgin says, "Since it has no relation to the movie itself, it has no bearing on the film or it's subject matter, it can only be inferred that it may very well be a political smear, based on homophobia, based on people's fears and mis-information on homosexuality."

He has been in contact with Sandra Clark in hopes of getting her to take back what she said.

Elgin announced late Friday that Clark agreed to print an apology and a retraction in the next issue of the Halls Shopper. She was not available for comment on the matter.

The Halls Shopper will hit the stands on Monday.