'Modern Family' Gay Kiss A Go for 'Cameron' and 'Mitchell'

As BroadwayWorld has previously reported, ABC's hit sitcom, 'Modern Family' is known for its realistic portrayal of the average family. However, the behavior of the show's gay couple, Cameron (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Mitchell (Eric Stonestreet) exemplifies the latest inconsistency to be picked up by viewers. Although the sitcom is often praised for its non-stereotypical portrayal of the gay community, viewers are starting to see just the opposite. 

'Modern Family' features three separate families, linked together as one extended family. In the episode, 'Airport', couple Phil (Ty Burrell) and Claire Dumphy (Julie Bowen) shared a kiss, while Cam and Mitchell shared only a brief hug.

Are ABC's writers fearful of losing members of their large mainstream audience? That is exactly how Chuck Barney from the Contra Costa Times sees it. Barney wrote, "Maybe they just don't think that a 9 p.m. family sitcom is the place for the kind of same-sex depictions that the network allows on its late-night dramas such as "Grey's Anatomy" and "Brothers & Sisters."

Facebook members are taking notice too. A group has formed in protest of the couple's lack of intimacy --- "Let Cam & Mitchell kiss on Modern Family!". The group is growing fast with over 9,000 members. According to celebbuzz.com, 'Modern Family' producers respond to the controversy by explaining that the story behind Cam and Mitchell's absent affection is planned for a future episode.

And now, EOnline! reports that said future episode may be very soon.  According to producer Steve Levitan: "We've had an episode planned for a long time that dealt with that subject of [Cameron and Mitchell's PDA]...So it almost bothers us that there was a little bit of controversy about it. Because we don't want to appear that we're answering that criticism. But sure enough, we're dealing with public displays of affection, and the power of a kiss. Seems simple, but intriguing-I hope."

Says Eric Stonestreet: "I think it's great that people care so much...I always am confused why they don't worry about shows that don't have any gay characters on them. They should put some focus on them as well, but we'll give the audience exactly what they need."

Add Jesse Typer Ferguson: "I mean, Ed and Sofia also never kiss...but they seem to care more ‘cause we are the gay couple. But we're all proceeding and progressing and moving forward, there'll be lots of everything."

"Modern Family" stars Ed O'Neill as Jay Pritchett, Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy, Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy, Sof’a Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell Pritchett, Eric Stonestreet as Cameron, Sarah Hyland as Haley Dunphy, Nolan Gould as Luke Dunphy, Ariel Winter as Alex Dunphy and Rico Rodriguez as Manny Delgado. For more information on "Modern Family", visit www.abc.com. To view the Facebook group, click here.

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