Hung out to dry?

Regarding the article about William Hung (“Off-Key, On the Map,” by Shawn Hubler, Feb. 6), you inadvertently reveal a judiciously maintained but rather obvious secret, that Hung, like every other candidate for “American Idol,” went through a careful selection process before ever facing the draconian judging panel of Simon, Paula and Randy.

One can’t help assume, having heard Hung attempt to sing, that his original auditioners knew perfectly well they were slipping in a dud to spice up the show.

What a sad commentary on contemporary culture. We go ballistic about a glimpse of female breast, but we have no trouble with the mean-spirited public exploitation and humiliation of hapless young hopefuls, treatment that amounts to emotional abuse.

John Crowther

Los Angeles