A quote criticizing “Glee” standout Jane Lynch was attributed to “Modern Family” star Ed O’Neill earlier this week, with controversy emerging from his alleged implication that Lynch’s work on the show was far too one-dimensional to warrant her Emmy win.
The quote also contended that “Modern Family” actress Sofia Vergara, who plays O’Neill’s wife on the show, was far more deserving of the top TV award.
TVGuide Canada, which ran the quote, retracted the story this week, noting that O’Neill’s statement was misquoted.
According to an apologetic TV Guide, the real quote is as follows:
“I’m one of Jane Lynch’s biggest fans. I love Jane Lynch. She is a genius. But at the same time I said ‘Sofia could win’ because … and I’ve only seen Glee a couple of … I’ve only seen Glee once. But I thought Jane’s role is rather one-dimensional. It’s kind of strident. It’s always kind of the same. I’ve seen her be much better. So I thought ‘Sofia’s funnier,’ and I think she is in these two comparative roles. Anyway, Jane won. But I was hoping that Sofia would.”