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Lacey Schwimmer, Cher defend Chaz Bono after online 'Dancing With the Stars' backlash
No doubt the most controversial addition to the Season 13 cast of "Dancing With the Stars," Chaz Bono, the series' first transgender contestant, has quickly become the target of some very negative reactions.
Posts on the ABC message boards include accusations that the network is pushing the "homosexual agenda" and hateful dismissals of Bono and the show.
But in the hours after "DWTS" pro Lacey Schwimmer was revealed as Bono's partner, the 23-year-old has come to Bono's defense, filling her Twitter feed with statements of support, appreciation for fans and even pictures from the day's rehearsal (left).
Schwimmer also tells The Insider that she's nothing but pleased with the pairing. "I was absolutely thrilled," she says. "I've always been a huge supporter of the LGBT community and I couldn't be more excited to have Chaz. Not only is he Sonny and Cher's child but he's also a generally cool person."
She also doesn't understand all of the uproar. "It's disappointing," she tells The Insider. "No human is perfect, so why are they pointing out what they perceive to be an imperfection in someone else? It's not cool."
Bono's mother Cher is also dismayed at the hateful rhetoric directed at her son. She broke her silence on Twitter to show her support. "Chaz is Being Viciously Attacked on Blogs [and] Message boards about being on DWTS," she writes. "This is still America right? It took guts to do it."
Cher also thinks her son will surprise "DWTS" fans with his talent -- something that will also come as shock to oddsmakers betting against him.
Posts on the ABC message boards include accusations that the network is pushing the "homosexual agenda" and hateful dismissals of Bono and the show.
But in the hours after "DWTS" pro Lacey Schwimmer was revealed as Bono's partner, the 23-year-old has come to Bono's defense, filling her Twitter feed with statements of support, appreciation for fans and even pictures from the day's rehearsal (left).
Schwimmer also tells The Insider that she's nothing but pleased with the pairing. "I was absolutely thrilled," she says. "I've always been a huge supporter of the LGBT community and I couldn't be more excited to have Chaz. Not only is he Sonny and Cher's child but he's also a generally cool person."
She also doesn't understand all of the uproar. "It's disappointing," she tells The Insider. "No human is perfect, so why are they pointing out what they perceive to be an imperfection in someone else? It's not cool."
Bono's mother Cher is also dismayed at the hateful rhetoric directed at her son. She broke her silence on Twitter to show her support. "Chaz is Being Viciously Attacked on Blogs [and] Message boards about being on DWTS," she writes. "This is still America right? It took guts to do it."
Cher also thinks her son will surprise "DWTS" fans with his talent -- something that will also come as shock to oddsmakers betting against him.
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When a person makes the choices "CHAZ" has made and in doing so publically makes one wonder? why he chose to make his "personal life choices public." Does Chaz now believe it was worth it? I don't think so in this event.. He should have known in this cruel world people would not refrain because of his sexual orientation, sexual status change, or celebrity status, etc., Why are they shocked at the backlash against him? or ABC's so-called AGENDA? Who cares if he is white, black, blue, red, male, female or even if he chooses to become a giraffe tomorrow? Because it appears when a person chooses to change their sexual status publically he may as well become an animal to some people because it's that difficult for some to understand. Unfortunately some of the world is not ever going to accept his changes even if his inner circle does. You can't force your choices on ignorant others. With that being said, I personally don't care what Chaz "is" as long as he's happy and I don't believe in labeling him like ABC has chosen to and the many other's with their "transgender wordings". At the end of the day, Chaz is a child of GOD, a human being who deserves acceptance and love like the rest of the world who isn't evil, cruel, and bitter.. Enough said. We should move on and Chaz should step away from the hurtful words and put his best foot forward.. Win that trophy Chaz..for YOU!!
Lacey Schwimmer is a class act. love her.
the world is still so incredibley homophobic and prejudice its sad. there have been so many others that were shown incredibly disgusting prejudice throughout history, why cant we all just get along.
I'm very much in support of Chaz Bono. People just don't understand how hurtful their words and actions can be. We are talking about a real person with feelings, and all some people can do is spew hate. Please, people... come from a place of love, not hate. You'll be so much happier if you do.
If more people like Chaz stood up for themselves as he has done in public, maybe we'd learn more quickly about understanding and (at least) tolerance. He is brave to have made the transition in teh first place, and to do it publicly is even more courageous and very important for others to learn.
Congratulations, Chaz and way to go, Lacey and Cher, for being the classy people that you are. Good luck with the dancing and regardless of how long you get to stay on the show, you're a winner to me.
Were the pushing the homosexual agenda when Lance Bass was on the show?
Chaz is my favorite if the on-line jerks are against him. Hope he has fun and does well.
I am really not surprised by what is happening on the boards at ABC. People posting thre can be incredibly cruel and judgemental. You should have seen the stuff that was posted about Kendra last season-it was awful. I think people think they are anonymous or feel that way and say things they would never say in public. I wish chaz the best of luck and hope he knows that not everyone is so judgemental.
It just makes me want to root for Chaz more. Thanks Lacey, i'm gonna be rooting for you from now on too!!
Chaz's personal choices are his own. But is he using his gender change for media attention? If his purpose is to be a transgender spokesperson and draw attention to that, well , he should expect *all* types of attention.