Chaz Bono on Dancing With The Stars: Cher Tweets Her Response to Detractors

Fans of the show react strongly to his inclusion in the cast

By Josh Wolford · September 1, 2011 · 53 Comments

Chaz Bono on Dancing With The Stars: Cher Tweets Her Response to Detractors

Following Monday night’s announcement of the Dancing With The Stars celebrity cast and the subsequent partner pairing announcement on Wednesday, the internet has exploded over the inclusion of Chaz Bono for the show’s 13th season.

For a while there was plenty of buzz about Nancy Grace, but a few Casey Anthony jokes later, her involvement has fallen off the radar. People are in a frenzy over Chaz.

Of course, the issue at hand is the fact that Chaz Bono used to be Chastity Bono, famous daughter of Sonny and Cher. Over the last few years, Chaz has taken the steps to transition from a woman to a man – culminating in gender reassignment surgery last May.

Chaz is the first transgendered contestant that has ever been on the show. He has been paired with professional dancer Lacey Schwimmer.

Chaz’s upcoming appearance on the beloved reality show has drawn both harsh criticism as well as inspired defenses. Chaz’s mother, pop icon Cher, took to Twitter to express her thoughts on those attacking Chaz across the internet –

@cher
Cherlovelies! Chaz is Being Viciously Attacked on Blogs & Message boards about being on DWTS!This is Still America right ? It took guts 2 do it 20 hours ago via TweetDeck · powered by @socialditto

@cher
CherI support him no matter what he chooses 2do! God! will there always be haters! It took COURAGE 2 do dwts ! TG Chaz has an Unlimited supply  20 hours ago via TweetDeck · powered by @socialditto

@cher
CherCan u guys check out sites & give him your support ? BTW …Mothers don’t stop Getting angry with stupid bigots who fk with their children ! 20 hours ago via TweetDeck · powered by @socialditto

As far as the attacks that Cher references, the posts on ABC.com announcing the cast and the pairings are one place where people are commenting. One user writes:

This show has completely lost a viewer(s). I am DISGUSTED that you would have Chaz Bono on there. He/she can live however he/she would like to live, but do we need to flaunt it for ratings? Really? I hope your ratings sink as low as you have sunk in having Chaz on there.

Another says:

I am very disappointed in ABC for the decision to cast Chaz. I feel as though the media continues to push the limits and boundaries and throw junk in our faces, trying to force liberalism down our throats. I’m so sick of it. I love the show, but I absolutely refuse to watch this season. I will not accept sin no matter how “popular” it is in hollywood. I hope there are others who will take a stand against this by not watching this season.

And another:

I am sick and tired of the homosexual agenda being shoved in my face! All I want is to be able to sit down and watch a fun show about dancing for a few hours each week. I do not care what someone’s sexual orientation is so long as it stays between them and the other person, behind closed doors…………there is no need to flaunt it during prime family viewing hours. What’s next? Will Carson be dancing in a dress? Sorry to say but I will NOT be watching and will also be boycotting DWTS sponsors!

People have taken to the Dancing With The Stars Facebook page to voice their criticisms as well –

Paul ChristoffersenThis probably won’t get posted, but I’ll try anyway. My wife and I have been big fans of DWTS since we discovered it in Season 3. We look forward to every Monday and Tuesday night. This year, however, we won’t be watching the show; your producers have gone waaaay over the line casting that transgender child of Sonny and Cher! Poor Sonny must be turning over in his grave! So, who will be Chaz’ partner? Cheryl, Tony, Derek, Kim? So many choices…… 1 hour ago · 2 likes · 12 comments

Hannah Burdick QuinnI don’t mind saying my husband and I won’t be watching the show this year. It’s bad enough at how over the top Bruno has gotten. It’s disgusting at what people don’t care about these days. God made women and he made man. There is no, “I am confused, I shouldn’t be what I am.” It’s disgusting, and I can’t believe how morals have seemed to disappear as the time goes by. 1 hour ago · Like · 4 comments

To be fair and completely honest, it seems to me that the Chaz supporters definitely outweigh the Chaz detractors. On Facebook, Twitter and comment boards there is a huge amount of “Go Chaz” and “Don’t listen to the haters” posts. But, I guess, plenty of negative feelings are out there.

Chaz himself tweeted about the reaction earlier today –

@ChazBono
Chaz BonoI am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I received from everyone. Thanks so much. I don’t listen to the haters, but embrace the love. 5 hours ago via HootSuite · powered by @socialditto

Strangely enough, there seems to be little outrage towards new contestant Carson Kressley, the openly gay star of Queer Eye For The Straight Guy.

As far as the “agenda” that some say DWTS is pushing, an executive producer for the show told The Hollywood Reporter that it’s nonsense –

“We don’t have an agenda of any sorts. I think of the 120 celebrities we’ve put on the show, we’ve had, I think now, three transgender or gay contestants. If that’s a homosexual agenda, we’re not doing very well at it.”

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There are 53 Comments. Add Yours.

Jane
September 1, 2011 at 2:32 pm
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Dancing with the stars is “liberal” anyway. God doesn’t like transgenderism, and it is a sin. However, He loves the person. Also, before people make judgments about Chastity, they need to take the boulder out of their own eyes. In other words, we are all sinners who need a Savior in Christ Jesus.
- SinTexas
  September 1, 2011 at 5:24 pm
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  How do you know what God thinks? Really? I wonder about how the Bible is translated and that’s why I stopped going to church.
Dan
September 1, 2011 at 2:44 pm
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Wow, I didn’t realize it was a religious show. I think it is interesting that there is a “Sin-O-Meter” because there have been adulterers, unwed mothers, convicted criminals. I was always taught everyone is a sinner.
It’s just a TV show. I think he is a little overweight to be very graceful. But I will watch it anyway.
JanC
September 1, 2011 at 2:45 pm
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There is only one good reason to be puzzled by the inclusion of Chaz Bono on Dancing with the Stars: exactly what is he the star of? So it would not be unreasonable to conclude that the producers of the show are snickering up their sleeves while they use a transgendered fat man to spice up their show. Nice.
- lisa
  September 1, 2011 at 3:33 pm
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  nice
- SinTexas
  September 1, 2011 at 5:26 pm
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  And how was Bristol Palin a star??? Because she had a baby out of wedlock. Stupid comment.
Isabella
September 1, 2011 at 3:02 pm
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Wow I am speachless, I can’t believe how close minded and IGNORANT some of these comments are. I am catholic and yes I do believe in certain things and I don’t necesarily agree or understands some things but no matter what I am no one to judge anybody else, and I don’t think any of this people I don’t care how religious the say they are have the right to be so cruel towards him. Only God can judge us, we are not meant to judge one another, this is just a show I mean come on nobody is throwing anything in anybodies faces if you don’t like what you see on TV is as easy as this DON’T WATCH IT… stop being so cruel towards other people bc no matter what their beliefs may be they are people too and have feelings, I seriously am so disgusted by the cruelty of this comments. This people need to watch what they say before they say it, we are all sinners and nobody is perfect. Let other live the way they want to and let God be the judge of that.
Ilove Dancing with the stars and even though I may not agree with the way some people live their life doesn,t give me the right to push them aside or critize them.
To all of you who are “SO OFFENDED” BY this DON’T WATCH THE SHOW!!!!!!!!
- Isabella
  September 1, 2011 at 3:09 pm
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  Sorry about all the misspelled words my phone is messing up.
- Sue
  September 1, 2011 at 3:12 pm
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  We won’t. You are much too wordy.
Suz
September 1, 2011 at 3:10 pm
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Its okay for Ms. Bono to dance on this show. At first I was shock to hear this. As Cher states, this is America and everyone can do what they please. Anything I guess, marry whomever.. except you know brother and brother sister and sister. Just think of it as a girl dancing with a girl. We do it all the time. Its okay.
- A
  September 1, 2011 at 5:28 pm
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  How dare you!!!!!!!!!! Who are you to judge people who want to be in loving relationships with their own family members. You are a sick twisted incestuophobe and need to get with the times rather than pushing your moral standard on me. It’s 2011, get with the times! Love whomever or whatever you choose to love.
Suz
September 1, 2011 at 3:12 pm
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its okay, let us be and who we are
Suz
September 1, 2011 at 3:14 pm
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I was robbed and they took everything. I was upset but later, said to myself… boy this people are probably homeless, without food, they need help. Then I started to feel better. I was helping a family in need. So everyone has to do the same. Just think of it as a girl dancing with a girl. Its done all the time. And for ms. bono changing who she is, this is who she is now. don’t worry about it. go on with your life, just don’t watch the show if you are upset.
Linette Morawczynski
September 1, 2011 at 3:15 pm
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OMG! REALLY??? Who cares who is on DWTS as long as the season is good! I was taught God loved EVERYONE and so should i. Jesus loves the little children, ALL the children of the world…..i believe the song said ALL!! The only people i dont like are stupid people. I do have to say i thought Chastity was a very cute little girl on the Sonny and Cher show but ya know what, not my life to live. What if that was YOUR child?? I would rather have an alive son than a dead daughter…think about that when you throw your negative thoughts and words at Chaz and Cher and DWTS. Good Luck Chaz! Sincerely, Linette
- SinTexas
  September 1, 2011 at 5:21 pm
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  Thank you Linette! A true Christian response, or what a Christian should say.
JCM
September 1, 2011 at 3:27 pm
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Usually the ones tooting the horn are inviduals with closeted gay tendencies. We are in a new century and as far as I know this is USA home of the brave and every war we fought and every cause was to secure the rights of every US citizen no matter of race, creed, color or sexual orientantion. Wake up morons and accept everyone, you never know when you are in peril and that person that helps will be someone you throw your bigotry towards.
lisa
September 1, 2011 at 3:31 pm
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its 2011, should we really waste our time & energy caring about all the crap? they’re supposed to dance, have a good time and entertain us. i don’t care what label people have given chaz, he never did anything to me.
TLK
September 1, 2011 at 3:44 pm
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REALLY…Chaz has the right to live his life just like the rest of us. Kudos to ABC for including him, and too him for having the nerve to accept. GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSES…none of us have the right to judge him. What the heck is wrong with you people, if it’s not his sexuality it’s his weight you’re complaining about, unfreaking believable. If you want to bring God/religion into this situation then you should remember God made us all in His eye, INCLUDING CHAZ!!!

Chaz, be yourself, dance your a** off and the hell with the haters!!
- marnie
  September 1, 2011 at 4:20 pm
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  AMEN!
- SinTexas
  September 1, 2011 at 5:34 pm
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  I will be watching. Can’t wait!
barbara barnhart
September 1, 2011 at 3:45 pm
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Chaz,
Whatever you do in life is your business when some of these whiners grow up hopefully they will learn to be more tolerant of others. I am 74 years young and I will definately be watching I have for years so why not now it is just dancing!!!
DENISE H
September 1, 2011 at 3:53 pm
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Good grief its 2011 let people live and be happy its his business and he a man so thats the end of story .More things in life to worry about like paying for rent and keeping our jobs .
TOM TOM
September 1, 2011 at 4:04 pm
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Pathetic.
Barbara Buffington
September 1, 2011 at 4:05 pm
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From a beautiful little girl to an unattractive, obese “man” whose genes will forever remain female… Why is anyone celebrating such a metamorphosis and supporting the attention hog tactics of such an obviously confused, unhappy individual?
- SinTexas
  September 1, 2011 at 5:20 pm
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  What business is it of yours Barbara?
Robert L
September 1, 2011 at 4:10 pm
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I am sick and tired of the homosexual agenda being shoved in my face! All I want is to be able to sit down and watch a fun show about dancing for a few hours each week. I do not care what someone’s sexual orientation is so long as it stays between them and the other person, behind closed doors…………there is no need to flaunt it during prime family viewing hours. What’s next? Will Carson be dancing in a dress? Sorry to say but I will NOT be watching and will also be boycotting DWTS sponsors!

WELL STATED….WE AGREE ENOUGH ALREADY
cynthia thompson
September 1, 2011 at 4:14 pm
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PERSONALLY I THINK EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO BE WHO THEY WANT TO BE I MEAN MY GOD!!!!I THINK CHAZ IS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND I SUPPORT HIM TOTALLY WHO GIVES FLYING FLIP IF YOU ARE A WOMAN ORA MAN WHAT COUNTS IS WHAT IS ON THE INSIDE MY GRANDMOTHER AND MY PARENTS RAISED ME TO NEVER EVER WHATS SO EVER TO JUDGE SOMEONE BUT TO ACCEPT THEM FOR THE WA THEY ARE I KNOW THIS ALL TO WELL BECAUSE MY NOW 22 YEAR OLD SON WAS BORN WITHOUT A RIGHT HAND AND TRUST ME WE HAD TO PUT UP WITH A LOT OF CRUEL PEOPLE AND GOD HELP YOU IF YOU JUDGE THIS MAN BEFORE YOU GET TO KNOW HIM I DON’T KNOW HIM BUT I DO RESPECT HIM AND I UP HOLD HIM BECAUSE HE IS WHO HE IS LEAVE HIM ALONE…….
marnie
September 1, 2011 at 4:16 pm
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I honestly don’t understand what all the uproar is about. For those who have a problem, there is an easy solution. Don’t watch the show!
Politically Incorrect
September 1, 2011 at 4:22 pm
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After reading this article and seeing that Chaz Bono is now being refered to as a HE….by the same logic, if Obama was to get a sex change while in office, would we then have for the first time in history two first ladies? One being the commander in chief and likely the bull dike in the relationship. And better yet the first Lesbian couple to rule the US and BLACK on top of it. Oh man wouldn’t we truly be liberated at that point? Sigh!!!!!
- Ted
  September 1, 2011 at 5:03 pm
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  Bull Dike? Do you realize that other people can read your comments? If I were you I would be way too embarrassed to speak in a public forum. I guess when you fall out of the womb and hit every stick on the backwoods racist homophobic dumbshlt tree, it knocks the shame right out of you.
- SinTexas
  September 1, 2011 at 5:32 pm
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  So Tea-bagger, what does Obama have to do with DWTS? Nadda!!! Your a racist and that’s worse than being liberated.
kk
September 1, 2011 at 4:31 pm
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it took balls to do it
M ike
September 1, 2011 at 4:36 pm
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what the heeck has america become.. keep this whacko behind closed door.. we are the laughing stock of the work bring us your weak poor sick and whacked out
mike
September 1, 2011 at 4:40 pm
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Now you will have two women dancing together. She will not be able to hold the professional dancer up and it will be dangerous. She is a women. Give her a physical and you will see.

Someone else said it took balls to do this, boy was he wrong.
- kk
  September 1, 2011 at 4:52 pm
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  the “balls” comment was a sarcastic joke mike
peggy jones
September 1, 2011 at 4:45 pm
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If you have to change your God given gender, do it PRIVATELY. Please
don’t flaunt it in front of impressionable little minds. Take your
weird ways and keep them to yourself.
janice scofield
September 1, 2011 at 4:55 pm
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You go for it Chaz
Cathy
September 1, 2011 at 5:05 pm
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I wish people throwing out the vicious remarks would start acting like grown adults. Chaz Bono has a right to be on DWTS is HE so chooses. The producers have a right to invite any person they want to star in the show. If you aren’t going to watch because of ONE CAST MEMBER than you have the right, but will probably miss out on the BEST SEASON in DWTS history!!
- Mark
  September 1, 2011 at 5:23 pm
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  Please do not represent chastity bono as a male. that is not the case.Never will be the case. that person was an obscure lesbian that was very unsatisified as a lesbian and needed to reshape her self into a person at the forefront of transgenderism.
SinTexas
September 1, 2011 at 5:17 pm
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Well, I wish Chaz the BEST! In, fact I hope either he or Nancy Grace win. All you yellow bellied cowards that are posting negatives against him WILL watch the show. Sure, you and your wife???? You little boys will be watching Chaz’s every move and you know it. At least Chaz is man enough to make his life better. All you so called Chrisians will watch too, so why don’t you just let your little fingers have a rest. The “real world” doesn’t give a crap what you think.
Frances
September 1, 2011 at 5:26 pm
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Cher must be so proud! This is so disgusting! Also Carson is absolutely sickening. I definitely won’t be watchig DWTS this season.
- SinTexas
  September 1, 2011 at 5:28 pm
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  So? who cares if you watch! I bet you will though! I bet you’ll watch the very first episode and will be hooked.
SinTexas
September 1, 2011 at 5:27 pm
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Go Chaz!!!
Marilyn Kay Webb Reed
September 1, 2011 at 5:51 pm
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OK this is for all you Homophobias … Who gave you the right to JUDGE others ..Did God give you permission? .. I don’t think so! .. Chaz chose his own fate .. And how does that affect any of you personally .. We ALL will be judged by our Almighty God .. You ALL are going to be judged for judging others .. Get busy with you own life and stop bashing Chaz or any other person for that matter .. Family .. Friends .. Neighbors .. etc. etc. etc. .. Are ALLOWED to do what they please .. As long as it is not directly affecting me PERSONALLY .. I’m good .. Chaz..you are very wise not to listen to ignorance. We all have our opinions .. but some just need to keep it to themselves. BTW .. I saw you Mom in concert in Charleston, WV about 7 or 8 years ago. Awesome. Take Care and May God Bless..
Mike Miller
September 1, 2011 at 5:55 pm
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Who the hell cares about Chaz, I’d like to see Cher on here hot lady