LETTER FROM IFBB PRO NANCY LEWIS
ON THE "CHICK ON CHICKS" CONTROVERSY
October 18, 2005
Jim Manion
IFBB Pro Division
P.O.BOX 3224
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
USA 15230
CC: AMI/ Flex Magazine ; CC: Peter McGough Editor in
Chief ; CC: David Pecker Chairmen, President & CEO
Dear Mr. Jim Manion:
I have just received my issue of the Flex October 2005 edition. To my surprise and dismay I read the most insulting and degrading article; “Chick on Chicks” by no other than the Men’s Representative Bob Cicherillo.
In my 14 years as an IFBB Pro I have never read nor heard any IFBB Pro Female bash her male counter part. What is more disappointing the article states these comments are from the “athlete’s rep.” Can you imagine someone, perhaps a fan reading what the “athlete’s rep” thinks about his female counterparts/competitors??
This is unacceptable! Because of this, I am putting forth my formal complaint to the IFBB Pro Division, AMI (American Media Inc.), Flex Magazine Editor in Chief Peter McGough and Flex Magazine President David Pecker, regarding the slanderous, abusive remarks made by the IFBB Pro Men’s Division Representative, Bob Cicherillo. My complaint stands on the grounds of the following: Please see IFBB Professional Rules 2005 Edition #14.6.*
I hope you all take the time to understand where I am coming from as well as many other Pro Female Bodybuilders and review the seriousness of this letter and Bob Cicherillo’s actions/comments. Professional female bodybuilding is already at a decline with having suffered many blows from lack in prize money, coverage, and very few shows leaving the most prestigious show (MS. O) to be demoted to a Expo hall event. With that being said, I understand that you and/or our male bodybuilding counterparts may not like how female bodybuilders look or what we do. This is a right of anyone to hold there individual opinion. But it does not give anyone the right to speak about a group of Female Professional Athletes, some whom have competed in the IFBB there entire adult lives, as a whole and slander there names, physiques, or there looks of being to manly. All we ask for is the same respect and support you give our male counterparts and DO NOT ALLOW such abusive statements to be published in a National sold magazine.
As a result I am requesting Bob Cicherillo’s termination of his current Men’s Athletes Representative position and the most stringent disciplinary action to be taken immediately.
Sincerely,
Nancy Lewis
Female IFBB Pro
______________________________________________
*FROM THE IFBB PRO RULES 2005 EDITION:14.6 Public Comments: [inserted May 29, 2003]
Public comments (including, but not limited to, those made via print publications, websites, public gatherings or other public forums) by registered IFBB athletes or officials made against other athletes or officials, the IFBB or the sport in general, which are deemed personal, abusive, slanderous, libelous or prejudicial to the good image of the sport, are contrary to the IFBB Code of Ethics and will result in disciplinary measures being taken by the Pro Division against the person responsible for the comments.