A number of high-profile voices in the gay blogosphere are predicting a backlash after Neil Patrick Harris' guest-hosting stint on "Live With Kelly" this week.
As part of his Friday appearance, the "How I Met Your Mother" star took part in an "anti-helium" gas experiment, which, after being inhaled, distorts one's voice to a lower register.
After Ripa imitated a famous "Star Wars" scene, Harris quoted the famed "It puts the lotion in the basket" line delivered by "The Silence of the Lambs" transgender villain, Buffalo Bill. After the audience hooted in response, Harris exclaimed, "I've never sounded more like a tranny in my life!"
UPDATE: Harris has apologized on Twitter for the incident:
Exactly what repercussions the openly gay star will face remains to be seen, but famed sex columnist Dan Savage was reportedly "glitterbombed" at two public appearances this fall for his earlier use of the word.
However, Harris has been outspoken about his reluctance in being considered a role model. At the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's 40th anniversary gala in November, he told E!'s Marc Malkin, "We're super happy to lead by example, but even to define ourselves in any kind of leadership position I think is awkward... I cringe when I hear people say they consider themselves role models."
Watch Harris' "tranny" gaffe below: