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A TV presenter has been branded 'shameful' for appearing to mock Prince George for having ballet lessons.

Good Morning America viewers were "disgusted" when host Lara Spencer laughed as she spoke about how the little royal will be studying the skilled performance dance at school this year.

Her co-hosts could also be heard giggling as she paused after revealing the subject.

A picture montage then appeared on the screen of the future king in snaps taken to celebrate his birthday, to which Lara appeared to poke fun and said: "Oh he looks so happy about the ballet class."

The comment by the 50-year-old presenter, who once dressed up as Prince George for Halloween, was followed by a chorus of giggles, including from the audience.

(Image: WireImage)

(Image: Instagram / lara.spencer)

George is returning to his £18k a year St Thomas’s Battersea school next month and his new curriculum will involve weekly ballet practice.

Mum-of-two Lara told viewers: "Young Prince George - just six years old - is heading back to school like so many other kids around the world. But unlike other kids his age it sounds like the third-in-line to the throne is in for quite a demanding year.

"Details of George's curriculum have been released making us all really happy we don't have to do homework anymore.

"In addition to the usual first or second grade things, like maths, science and history, the future king of England will be putting down the Play-Doh to take on religious studies, computer programming poetry and ballet among other things.

(Image: abc)

(Image: PA)

"Prince William said Prince George absolutely loves ballet...I have news for you Prince William, we'll see how long that lasts."

The TV segment has sparked outrage and fans and celebs have now rushed to George's defence and are urging Lara to apologise for seemingly mocking William and Kate's son.

Renowned American dancer and choreographer Brian Friedman, who has worked with the likes of Cher and Britney Spears, is among those to weigh in on the debacle.

Posting a clip of the TV segment on his Instagram, the former X Factor creative director fumed: "See this cute face, the future King of England? This adorable boy is being shamed by a grown woman on National Television in America for taking ballet!

(Image: PA)

(Image: abc)

"@lara.spencer you should be ashamed of yourself as well as @gstephanopoulos for laughing along & @goodmorningamerica for letting public shaming of young boys happen!

"Growing up as a dancer I was bullied horribly which is exactly what this is. She is teaching the word that it is ok to laugh at boys for dancing and that is so sad.

"Just think about the young boys who may have seen this and could quit their passion at her expense."

Brian added in his impassioned plea: "It infuriates me and I would appreciate everyone sharing this and forcing a public apology to Prince George, The Royal Family, all male dancers and all dancers in general for being so insensitive."

(Image: PA) (Image: PA)

Former BBC Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips also shared her disgust.

She replied: "What a shameful, outdated, harmful attitude being broadcast to the masses.

"Dance has countless scientifically proven benefits for physical and mental health.

"There should be nothing but encouragement for any male who chooses to try dance whether it’s as a fun hobby or for a future as a professional."

Last year, Prince William told finalists of the BBC Radio 1's Teen Hero awards that his eldest son is a keen dancer like Princess Diana and had been loving his ballet lessons at school.

He said: "George is doing dance as well, he loves it.

"My mother always used to dance, loved dance.

“If it's something you love, you do what you love and it's very important, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You keep at it.”

George’s school ballet lessons are based on the Royal Academy of Dance’s syllabus.

The school website explains the lessons are purposefully designed to build students’ “physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression and musicality, using a range of movements and musical styles”.

Meanwhile, Good Morning America viewers have also lashed out at Lara.

(Image: PA)

One wrote: "I thought you and your network care about inclusion instead of bullying.

"By dismissing a young boy's love of ballet you are insinuating that there is something wrong or abnormal with his study.

"Would you be making fun of Princess Charlotte for wanting to become a scientist? Then why is it ok to make fun of a child that enjoys one of the most beautiful, athletic, and incredibly difficult art forms that exist?

"Think it’s so easy, you try it."

Another added: "Seriously disgusted with your inappropriate response to George taking ballet... how in the world is that a laughing matter? Boys belong in the performing arts.

"Dancers are athletes AND artists. My 12-year-old son occasionally is subjected to attitudes like yours, but I'm grateful he loves ballet enough to dance on. Shame on you. Grow up."

Lara has yet to publicly respond to the criticism.

A clip of the segment is also on the Good Morning America YouTube channel and has received hundreds of angry comments.

A spokesman for the show has been contacted by Mirror Online.