Bruce Jenner Slammed On CNN By Transgender Reporter, Accused Of Capitalizing On Transition

Bruce Jenner is being criticized by transgender TV reporter Zoey Tur for allegedly capitalizing on his gender transformation. Zoey, who is also a notable figure in the LA transgender community, has also accused Bruce of trying to “sell a show.”

While there is a possibility that may not be the case, Bruce has strong ties to the famous Kardashian family, which has led many to question whether or not he has ulterior motives for publicizing his transition. His decision to go public with a documentary-style reality series has sparked quite a controversy.

Since Bruce is a notable public figure and motivational speaker, Zoey feels he should be an advocate, speaking out about the transition now instead of waiting for a “big reveal.” During a recent interview with Don Lemon on CNN, Zoey argued her perspective of Bruce Jenner’s transition ordeal.

“A lot of people are very suspicious about what’s going on because of his connection with the Kardashians, and they feel that if Bruce is transitioning gender, come out with it, you know – speak up.

“We need our role models and there’s no greater role model than the world’s greatest athlete.

“What’s the big deal? Many feel that gender is pitched in the reality show and using this build-up to gain more momentum and get paid to do an interview. This is a civil rights battle. This is not about selling TV shows. This is about saving lives.”

She’s also shared her views with TMZ. She recently gave a brief statement on behalf of the transgender community, echoing her previous sentiments. Zoey’s strong opinion has also led to more reports about other transgender advocates who aren’t exactly pleased with Bruce and his transformation strategy.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently released a report citing the possibly negative and “extremely harmful” effects of Bruce’s transition since many still believe the debacle is just another running story to sell tabloids. Transgender advocates also slammed the media for making a “circus” out of Bruce’s situation.

“If Bruce Jenner was out and about speaking about this, it would be very different,” said Michael David Battle, founding director of the Pittsburgh-based advocacy group Garden of Peace Project. “But this is all speculation and that is extremely harmful. I can only imagine the pain and trauma he is experiencing right now and his family is experiencing.”

Although speculation about Bruce “transitioning into a woman” has been a long-running rumor, his mother Esther Jenner, recently confirmed that the reports are true.

“I just learned about [his transition],” Esther revealed. “Bruce filled me in, and we had a very long, long, long talk about it.”

Numerous reports claim his reality series is tentatively scheduled to premiere this summer. It was also reported by Radar Online that Bruce will sit down with Diane Sawyer for an exclusive interview about his transition and life going forward. The Diane Sawyer interview will reportedly air sometime in May.

Do you think Bruce Jenner is trying to capitalize on his transition? Share your thoughts.

[Image via Grantland]