According to The Hollywood Reporter, some network viewers made
negative comments in ABC's messageboard forum, claiming his
presence is distasteful and inappropriate for prime-time
viewing.
Bono and eleven other contestants - including Ricki Lake and David
Arquette - were announced as contestants in the popular series on
Monday.
He is the first transgender person to take part in the acclaimed
dancing competition.
Conrad Green, an executive producer for Dancing With The Stars,
dismissed the comments via the Hollywood Reporter - arguing that
Bono was chosen as part of an eclectic mix.
"What we try to do is reflect a broad range of the entertainment
world in the casting of the show, and we're always trying to find
new things that people haven't seen. New types of stories and
that's what we've been doing this season."
Immediately after the comments surfaced, Cher jumped to Bono's
defense.
"Lovelies! Chaz is Being Viciously Attacked on Blogs & Message
boards about being on 'DWTS'! This is Still America right ? It took
guts 2 do it," Ontheredcarpet.com report that she wrote on
micro-blogging site Twitter.
"Can u guys check out sites & give him your support? BTW ...
Mothers don't stop Getting angry with stupid bigots who ____ with
their children," she said in a separate message.
Bono returned the love by Tweeting: " @cher Thanks for all your
support mom. The haters are just motivating me to work harder and
stay on 'DWTS' as long as I possibly can."
