Good Morning America host mocks Prince George doing ballet

The future King of England has been cruelly teased by a US TV presenter. Photo / Getty

A US TV presenter has been slammed for cruelly mocking Prince George, after it emerged he is set to attend weekly ballet lessons.

On an episode of Good Morning America, presenter Lara Spencer discussed the future king's new school curriculum.

"The future king of England will be putting down the Playdoh to take on religious studies, computer programming, poetry and ballet among other things," she told the audience.

Spencer then erupted into laughter at the inclusion of ballet.

"Prince William says George absolutely loves ballet, I have news for you Prince William we'll see how long that lasts," she said, attempting to stifle her giggles.

Her comments have caused outrage among viewers, and celebrities have since spoken out against her "outdated" views.

"What a shameful, outdated, harmful attitude being broadcast to the masses. Dance has countless scientifically proven benefits for physical and mental health," wrote former Strictly judge Arlene Philips on Instagram.

come on @GMA @LaraSpencer #ballet4boys pic.twitter.com/GuEOTWn7NF

— ROSIE (@Rosie) August 23, 2019

Dance and especially ballet is as great an athletic feat as any sport with balls. Boys who dance have a far greater chance at a career in dance than those who play football. Another reminder why morning TV is sexist gendered trash @LaraSpencer
@GStephanopoulos
@GMA pic.twitter.com/9TQ0xP4sX4

— Person Woman Man Camera TV (@ClaraJeffery) August 23, 2019

How very dare she? Fire her please. @LaraSpencer shame on you for encouraging dated gender stereotypes but more importantly shaming a young boy living his truth. @GMA it's 2019. We deserve better.

— JamesHaydenRodriguez (@James_Haydn) August 23, 2019

"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."

Rosie O'Donnell also shared a video slamming Spencer for her comments, and Twitter users pointed out the numerous famous men who have taken dance lessons.

Many also encouraged the TV presenter to watch the movie Billy Elliot to bring her thoughts into the 21st century.

After the backlash, Spencer took to Instagram to issue an apology.

"My sincere apologies for an insensitive comment I made in pop news yesterday. From ballet to anything one wants to explore in life, I say GO FOR IT. I fully believe we should all be free to pursue our passions. Go climb your mountain - and love every minute of it," she wrote.

As part of his school St Thomas's Battersea's education programme, Prince George will have 35-minute ballet classes, which are accompanied by a live piano player.

Last year, Prince William told BBC Radio his eldest son was a "keen dancer" like his late grandmother Princess Diana, and had been loving his ballet lessons at school.